Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 19 May 2026 7:10, UK

Tottenham Hotspur and Roberto De Zerbi are awaiting the return of Luka Vuskovic following his successful loan spell at Hamburg.

After completing his permanent move to the Lilywhites last summer, the centre-back was sent to HSV to gain regular minutes – and the arrangement could hardly have gone better for all involved.

An instant fan favourite at the Volksparkstadion, Vuskovic has been a talismanic figure for the Red Shorts, who secured promotion and a return to the top flight after a seven-year absence last May.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe and could play a major role in Spurs’ rebuild, while he has been rewarded with a place in Croatia’s World Cup squad.

Looking ahead to his return to Tottenham, Bundesliga expert Rune Gjerulff has shared his thoughts, with the Croatian appearing set to play a significant part in North London.

Luka Vuskovic the real deal as he waves goodbye to Hamburg

An unbelievable presence in the backline, Vuskovic has proven crucial in this year’s survival push for Hamburg.

Astonishingly, the 19-year-old finished the season as Hamburg’s second-highest scorer, with six goals to his name.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Bulinews.com Editor-in-Chief Gjerulff discussed the overall impact Vuskovic has had in the Hanseatic city.

“The impact he’s had at HSV can hardly be overstated,” he said.

“Looking at the opening few games of the Bundesliga season, they genuinely appeared to be one of the teams most at risk of going down.

“But after Vuskovic, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Fabio Vieira arrived late in the summer window, they gradually climbed the table and ultimately never really looked in danger of relegation.

“I was extremely impressed by how quickly he settled into the starting XI and delivered strong performances straight away despite his young age.”

Asked whether Spurs fans should believe the hype surrounding the defender, he added: “Absolutely. I think it’s completely fair to say he’s been HSV’s most important player, possibly alongside Fabio Viera.

“He’s among the league leaders for ground and aerial duels won, as well as overall duel success percentage.

“He hasn’t just been a defensive stabiliser either, but also a real goal threat, scoring six goals and finishing the season second in their scoring charts. HSV really missed him whenever he was absent.”

After a sensational Bundesliga campaign, Vuskovic returns as one of the most exciting defenders in world football, though there are still aspects of his game to iron out at just 19.

Tottenham told there is one catch ahead of Vuskovic return

Naturally, the youngster has attracted attention from across the continent, and Tottenham’s form this season has only played into the hands of potential suitors.

Asked whether there are any weaknesses in his game after his return to the Spurs side, Gjerulff said: “Yes, I’d say his biggest weakness is his pace.

“He actually pointed that out himself in an interview with Bild a few months ago.”

“That said, he also mentioned that he’s improved his top speed from 30 km/h to 32 km/h, so he’s clearly working on it already and has made significant progress.”

At 19, the Croatian is clearly not quite the finished article, but he appears ready to step into the XI as soon as he returns.

On his development into a top defender, Gjefulff concluded: “He’s picked up a few too many yellow cards and occasionally had the odd lapse in concentration or positioning, but overall he’s been simply outstanding.”

With De Zerbi likely to want the defender to operate in a high line next term, there are still a few minor issues to iron out.

Given how easily he has adapted to everything thrown at him in Hamburg – becoming talismanic in the process – it should not take long for him to get up to speed for the Lilywhites.