Credit: Imago

James Barker

Mon 25 May 2026 17:10, UK

Luka Vuskovic has made a strong case to already be Tottenham Hotspur‘s best centre-back on their books, as he pens a heartfelt goodbye to Hamburg.

The 19-year-old defender has spent the duration of the 2025-26 season out on loan with the German Bundesliga outfit, where he’s become a huge hit.

Turning out 30 times in all competitions for Hamburg, the Tottenham teenager has been one of the standout central defenders in the German top flight this past term.

A full Croatian international, Vuskovic is now set to return to N17 where Spurs may face a tough challenge retaining his services this summer, as top clubs are reportedly circling.

And, with Tottenham and Hamburg’s respective seasons now finished, the youngster has clearly shown just how much he’s loved his loan experience in the Bundesliga.

What did Luka Vuskovic say on his Hamburg loan?

Sometimes, it can take a while for a talented young player to come out of their proverbial shell in the senior game.

That’s not been the case for Vuskovic whatsoever, as he enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 season with Belgian side Westerlo before joining Tottenham, and he’s now followed that up with Hamburg.

But, with the Bundesliga season now over and with Hamburg comfortably avoiding relegation in their first season back in the German first division, finishing 13th, Vuskovic has spoken of his time with the club.

Penning a lengthy and emotional message to Hamburg, the Croat displayed his maturity levels in a heartfelt message that proved he’s a class act both on and off the pitch.

“One year. One club. One family. From the first day I arrived in Hamburg, I felt something special,” he began.

“From the first day I arrived in Hamburg, I felt something special. The love, the passion, the support — you made me feel at home immediately.

“Wearing this shirt and the number 44 in the Volksparkstadion was an honour I will never forget. We shared unforgettable moments together, and I gave everything I had every single time I stepped onto the pitch.

“Thank you to my teammates, the staff, and especially the fans. You supported me through everything and showed me what this club truly means.

“Even though my journey here was only one season, HSV will always have a special place in my heart.

“In Hamburg sagt man “Tschüss“ Danke für alles! Euer Luka (In Hamburg, people say “Bye.” Thanks for everything! Yours, Luka).”

How do Vuskovic’s stats compare to his Tottenham rivals?

Starting 27 of his 28 Bundesliga appearances in 2025-26, Vuskovic was integral to Hamburg’s successful debut season back in the German top flight.

There is much excitement about the potential for the young Croatian to go on and become one of the top centre-backs in world football, but as the numbers from this past season suggest, he may already be Tottenham’s best player in that position.

As per FotMob, Vuskovic won 207 duels in the Bundesliga in 2025-26, compared to Micky van de Ven’s 119 and Cristian Romero’s 155 in the Premier League respectively.

The Croat also wiped the floor with Spurs’ two main centre-back stars in defensive contributions (339 to 214 and 196) as well as clearances made (251 to 131 and 94) respectively.

No Bundesliga centre-back scored more than Vuskovic’s six goals last season, whilst his 207 duels won ranked him in the top five percentile of his positional rivals.

His 149 aerial duels won placed him in the top two per cent of Bundesliga central defenders, meanwhile, his 251 clearances ranked him in the top three percentile respectively.

Make no mistake about it, that whilst Vuskovic is an absolute star in the making, there is concrete evidence to suggest that he will return to Tottenham this summer as Spurs’ best centre-back.

It’s no wonder, then, that Vuskovic has been tipped to bankroll Tottenham if and when they do decide to sell the teenager.