Bundesliga coach makes feelings known on €40m Tottenham loanee who’s been one of the best defenders in the German league

Highly-rated Tottenham defender has been in great form on loan at SV Hamburger.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic has launched himself into the spotlight with his performances on loan at SV Hamburger this season.

The teenage prodigy was sent out on a season-long loan to SV Hamburger after he officially arrived at Spurs in July 2025. The central defender enjoyed two stellar years out on loan at KVC Westerlo, and the presence of experienced heads such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies meant the North Londoners decided to send him away again to continue his development.

The decision to choose SV Hamburger as the destination has worked wonders, with Luka Vuskovic establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga. The two-cap Croatia international is quickly earning comparisons with some of the game’s greats, with Germany legend Lothar Matthaus predicting a bright future for Vuskovic after his Man of the Match display in Hamburg’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich earlier this month.

Hamburg coach Merlin Polzin hopes they can keep hold of Luka Vuskovic next season

Vuskovic has proven to be a massive goal threat for Hamburg, notching four goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances. The Tottenham-owned defender has been urged to join Bayern Munich by former Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic, while Barcelona are now eyeing the €40m-rated 18-year-old.

However, Hamburg boss Merlin Polzin is hoping to keep hold of Vuskovic for another season. Hamburg didn’t secure a purchase option or obligation with Spurs for the big Croat last summer, meaning he has to return to north London after this season. But, Polzin and Hamburg’s ‘big dream’ is to hold onto the defender beyond this campaign.

“I’m a man of conviction. Of course, I also believe in things that seem impossible, even if they’re just a bit romantic about football. Nevertheless, there’s a clear contractual agreement between the clubs,” Polzin spoke in a pre-match press conference (h/t Bild).

“We’re very grateful that we found a solution last summer. It was very clear from the start with Luka’s camp that he only wanted to join HSV. The communication with Tottenham is extremely professional, both last summer and now. We’d be very interested in him continuing to wear the HSV jersey.”

Tottenham yet to decide Vuskovic’s future

Tottenham are currently in turmoil, having brought in interim head coach Igor Tudor to replace the sacked Thomas Frank to save the club from relegation. As the Lilywhites realistically do not appear to be winning the Champions League, the futures of several stars have been plunged into doubt.

Cristian Romero is among those players, and whether he decides to stay or leave could have a huge bearing on Vuskovic’s immediate future at Tottenham. If Romero stays, Spurs may opt to loan Vuskovic out again, and Hamburg will have a chance to keep him for another season. Should the 2022 World Cup winner depart, it won’t be surprising if the club opts for an in-house replacement in Vuskovic.

Thus, it is difficult to predict now where Vuskovic will play his football next season.