Tottenham are already considering recalling ‘top talent’ from his ‘insane’ loan spell
Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on young defender Luka Vuskovic, with sources telling TBR Football that the club has not ruled out the possibility of recalling the Croatian starlet in January.
According to reports, Tottenham’s recruitment team continues to monitor Vuskovic’s progress in Germany, as they do with all their loan players. Scouts from Spurs were even in attendance over the weekend to watch him deliver an outstanding performance in Hamburger SV’s 4–0 victory over Mainz, a display that has further strengthened his case for an early return to North London.
When the teenager left Tottenham on loan during the summer, he was challenged by the club’s coaching staff to gain valuable first-team experience and prove that he could earn a place in the Spurs setup. So far, the 18-year-old has risen to that challenge superbly, emerging as one of the Bundesliga’s most talked-about young defenders.
Tottenham could recall Vuskovic in January
Sources close to TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, have confirmed that Tottenham are actively considering recalling Vuskovic once the winter transfer window opens. However, even if he does return, Spurs are still expected to pursue the signing of another experienced central defender to strengthen their defensive options.
The club hierarchy at Tottenham are said to view Vuskovic as a “top-tier talent” capable of becoming a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. Since joining Hamburg, he has quickly adapted to life in Germany, drawing praise for his composure, physicality, and aerial prowess. His dominant display against Mainz even prompted HSV fans to label him “insane”—a reflection of just how impressed they’ve been with his performances.
Vuskovic has also continued his fine goalscoring form from last season, when he netted seven times for Belgian side Westerlo. This term, he’s already opened his Bundesliga account with a powerful header against 1. FC Heidenheim, earning him the nickname “Air Vuskovic” in the German media for his exceptional ability in the air.
Speaking about the defender’s progress, Bailey told TBR Football:
“Vuskovic is doing very well, and at just 18, many scouts and clubs believe he’s one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe.
There’s a clause that could allow him to return in January, and from what I’m hearing, Spurs aren’t ruling that out. Whether he comes back and stays until the summer remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a possibility.”
Radu Dragusin’s future in doubt
While Tottenham are thrilled with Vuskovic’s progress abroad, Radu Dragusin’s future at the club is far less certain. The Romanian defender has endured a difficult spell in North London since joining in January 2024, struggling for form and fitness before suffering a serious ACL injury that sidelined him for seven months.
Although Dragusin has recently returned to full training, his long-term prospects under Thomas Frank appear unclear. TBR Football previously reported in July that Spurs were open to selling Dragusin during the summer window, but no move materialised.
Now that he’s fit again, a return to Serie A looks increasingly plausible, especially with Tottenham planning to bring in at least one new centre-back in the New Year. Clubs in Italy have retained a strong interest in Dragusin, and Spurs could be tempted to cash in if the right offer arrives.
With Vuskovic thriving in Germany and Tottenham eager to reinforce their back line, the January transfer window could see major defensive reshuffling in North London. The coming months may determine whether Vuskovic returns to stake his claim in the Premier League—and whether Dragusin’s time at Spurs quietly comes to an end.