(Credit: Imago)
Sun 29 June 2025 12:10, UK
Tottenham’s depth at centre-back will leave Thomas Frank with a few decisions to make this summer.
Spurs already secured Kevin Danso on a permanent deal last month, and look set to bring in Kōta Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.
Tottenham also triggered their option to extend Ben Davies’ contract, leaving the North London club with five recognised senior centre-backs.
The returns of Alfie Dorrington, Ashley Phillips, and the arrival of Luka Vušković could raise that number to eight, with the latter potentially set for a loan move this summer.
Danso joined Tottenham on a permanent deal from Lens this summer (Credit: Imago)Vušković is highly sought across Europe
Despite only turning 18 this year, Vušković made his senior debut for Croatia earlier this month following his impressive loan spell with Belgian side Westerlo last season.
The centre-back started every game he was eligible for in the Jupiler Pro League and scored an impressive seven goals, including an acrobatic overhead kick against Club Brugge.
As reported by Football London (25 June), multiple clubs across Europe are hoping to secure a loan deal for the talented defender if Frank decides he would benefit from more experience.
Hamburg are one of the clubs interested in Vušković, but ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the Lilywhites would prefer to acclimatise the youngster to the English game, which could see him join a Championship club on loan instead.
“Tottenham might keep him in England,” King said.
“They could loan him out to a Championship club. I think that would be a good way for Vušković to get a feel of what English football is all about. It is a tough league, the Championship.
“It would be common sense for Frank to take a look in pre-season, but then it will depend on what is happening with the other centre-backs. However, I think a loan move makes more sense. It is far better that he is playing football than sitting on the bench or playing with the Under-21s.
“First-team football in the Championship is far better than playing for the Under-21s, and it will force him to grow up more quickly.”
Vušković could be loaned out to the ChampionshipFrank should risk keeping Vušković in the first-team squad
While the step up to the Premier League would be huge for the teenage sensation, Vušković could benefit from staying in N17 this summer to get a feel for Tottenham.
Arguably, Frank’s best attribute is improving young players, and the Croatian defender’s unique talent could flourish under the Dane’s tutelage.
He would also be walking into a happy dressing room full of winners, and could learn more from being exposed to top professionals like Son Heung-min than from going out on loan, where he may not be as closely monitored and tutored.
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