Tottenham transfer news: Spurs’ Luka Vuskovic crisis as two Brighton bids rejected after Jan Paul van Hecke deal | Football news

Tottenham have a problem at the hands of Luka Vuskovic after rejecting two offers from Brighton for the centre-back.

The 19-year-old, who established himself as one of Europe’s best young defenders on loan at Hamburg, wants to be a regular starter now but is not interested in another short-term move.

Brighton’s latest offer was also £35m Sky Sports News he understands that they will not go back with a new proposal immediately despite agreeing to a deal to sell the defender Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs for £52m on Tuesday.

Vuskovic’s hopes of being in the first team at Spurs next season seem slim, as Van Hecke is set to join again. Marcos Senesi already signed this summer. If Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero stay, Vuskovic will be Spurs’ fifth option.

Romero’s future is uncertain, as it was last summer before he signed a new deal, but it remains to be seen whether any clubs will pay enough to convince Spurs to sell.

There is a real feeling at Spurs that Vuskovic could be one of the best defenders in the world but he is not yet ready to take the step to become a regular starter in the Premier League.

There are similarities with the situation Arsenal had with William Saliba. The Frenchman had three loan spells in Ligue 1 before being fully integrated into the first team and becoming one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Spurs have plans to spend big this summer and, naturally, that will lead to player sales. However, in an ideal world, they will raise money elsewhere for players who are not part of De Zerbi’s future plans.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic says that it is important for Vuskovic to find a club where he will play regularly. Spurs agree but only on loan. Brighton can give the youngster what he wants but are not willing to overpay. This situation can be intense.

Spurs agree with Van Hecke

Van Hecke’s deal is believed to be around £52m and the player has expressed his desire to play under ‘father man’ Roberto De Zerbi.

The defender only wants to join Tottenham.

The Netherlands defender has one year left on his contract at Brighton and played under De Zerbi between 2023 and 2024.

The Seagulls will have made a huge profit on the 26-year-old, having signed for £1.8m from NAC Breda in 2020. It is understood Brighton have negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause for the move.

The signing is part of a planned few weeks at Tottenham, with the club keen to support De Zerbi in the market and major changes planned.

The club have a strong interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, while they also remain interested in the Manchester City forward Savinho.

Van Hecke signs De Zerbi’s award

Michael Bridge’s Sky Sports:

This is a complete commitment from De Zerbi and could mean the reward for keeping Spurs top. He has retained the club and is now given full power and has the final say on the sale.

With Van Hecke, they get a defender who is free on the ball, like Marcos Senesi, and who is effective in taking the opposition out of the game.

Yes, it is a great value. To put it simply, he is the player De Zerbi asked for.

Many people will be wondering about Cristian Romero. On his day, he is one of the best defenders in the world. But, that’s for his day. He plays about 50 percent because of injuries and suspensions. There was speculation as to whether he would watch his team in the final game of the season.

I think if a big offer comes in for Romero, they will consider it. What matters is whether they get the big gift.

Analysis: De Zerbi’s transfer plan is clear for Spurs

Sky Sports by Sam Blitz:

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out what Tottenham are trying to do in this transfer window: Roberto De Zerbi is looking for better defenders in football.

In agreeing to the deal for Van Hecke – who has already secured Marcos Senesi on a free transfer – Spurs are looking for the best football developers in the first division.

For Senesi and Van Hecke, De Zerbi is targeting two destinations in the Premier League in this area. These are the two leading players in the league last season in passing defenders.

Simply put, they are able to press the pressure back and take the opposition out of the game by putting the ball on the lines.

Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Senesi was used to a direct, direct style of play where he hit the ball quickly.

Van Hecke, on the other hand, is used to playing hard for De Zerbi as he played 50 games under the Italian during their time together at Brighton.

That job was created by Fabian Hurzeler, who told Sky Sports in 2024: “It helps that the coach I had here before was De Zerbi because he put together this style of play,” when asked about his defenders playing out back in dangerous areas.

Spurs getting two ball-playing defenders is a sign that this is something they feel they lack. The numbers back that up. Senesi and Van Hecke are at a higher level than Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in terms of passing skills.

If Spurs end up acquiring both of these players, what will it mean for Spurs’ midfield?