Hamburger SV have confirmed the acquisition of highly rated Croatian centre-back Luka Vuskovic on a one-year loan from Tottenham Hotspur for the upcoming 2025–26 season. The deal, officially announced on 29 August 2025, contains no option or obligation to buy, signaling Tottenham’s intent to retain the young defender’s long-term future.
Luka Vuskovic, born 24 February 2007 in Split, Croatia, has swiftly risen through football’s ranks. A product of Hajduk Split, he signed for Tottenham Hotspur in a high-profile deal agreed in September 2023 and finalized in mid-2025. After earning senior debut honors with Croatia’s national team in June 2025, his stock soared even higher.
His 2024–25 season on loan at Belgian side Westerlo was stellar: 36 appearances, seven goals, and widespread recognition as one of football’s brightest young defenders. Spurs officials were impressed by his maturity, defensive acumen, and aerial threat—qualities shaping him into a modern centre-back capable of influencing both ends of the pitch.
Hamburg, freshly promoted to the Bundesliga after finishing second in the 2. Bundesliga, view Vuskovic as a pivotal reinforcement to stabilize their backline in top-flight competition. The move also brings a compelling personal narrative: his older brother, Mario Vuskovic, plays at Hamburger SV, a connection that undoubtedly eased transitions and fueled the club’s interest.
In July, Mario remarked that his brother “loves HSV simply because the club and the fans always support me… he would love to play for HSV and wouldn’t say ‘no’ to an offer.” The Vuskovic family’s bond with the club deepened when Luka attended Hamburg’s promotion celebrations in May, joining Mario and their father on the pitch during the festivities.
The loan comes amid a busy and strategic window for Spurs. Manager Thomas Frank and directors weighed keeping Vuskovic for depth, but ultimately agreed that regular playing time in the Bundesliga would accelerate his development more effectively. The agreement in principle was reported earlier in the week, and this official confirmation makes it one of the final moves of the summer window.
Hamburg’s sporting director, Stefan Kuntz, shared his enthusiasm: “We have worked particularly hard over the past few weeks to secure Luka, and we are very happy that he has decided to take the next step in his development with HSV.” The deal has been praised across football circles as a well-considered fit: Vuskovic will benefit from competitive minutes in one of Europe’s top leagues, while Hamburg gain a defender of immense potential with motivation to succeed.
Luka’s background underscores his football pedigree. He grew up in a storied footballing family: his father Danijel is a youth coach at Hajduk Split; his grandfather, Mario, and great-grandfather, Marko, both played for the club.
Early in his youth career, he became the youngest Croatian to play and score in the UEFA Youth League. On his 16th birthday, he debuted professionally, becoming one of the youngest ever to take the field for Hajduk in a derby against Dinamo Zagreb.
This move to Hamburg is not just about exposure—but legacy and identity. Wearing the same number 44 his brother dons, Luka steps onto the field surrounded by both public expectations and familial pride.