European clubs waiting for Thomas Frank decision on wonderkid defender

Since Tottenham captured his signature in 2023 when he was just 16, Luka Vuskovic has been touted as a future cornerstone in N17. After two loan spells away, supporters are keen to see the highly-rated Croatian international in action.

However, there's no guarantee that Vuskovic will be a part of the first team squad next season. Having turned 18, the defender can now officially begin his journey in north London, but the arrival of Japanese international Kota Takai means another loan may beckon for the teenager.

Despite his youth, Vuskovic is vastly experienced. The teenager has played 61 times at senior level, and recently became the third-youngest player to appear for the Croatian national team.

Many regard Vuskovic as one of the most talented U21 centre-backs in Europe, but an immediate impression on Thomas Frank will have to be made if he's to play first-team football for Spurs next season.

Thomas Frank to get a good look of Luka Vuskovic in pre-season

Alasdair Gold reports that clubs across Europe are waiting to see what Frank decides to do with the 18-year-old this summer. Vuskovic, who's enjoyed loan spells in the Polish and Belgian top flights since joining the club, has garnered a lofty reputation.

At Westerlo last season, the defender scored seven times in 36 Pro League appearances, including one outstanding bicycle kick that rightfully did the rounds on social media.

If Frank decides to loan Vuskovic out again, Spurs will surely want the teenager to be exposed to a higher level of football week in, week out. His previous loans served their purpose, but if the club want Vuskovic to evolve into what they signed him to be as a 16-year-old two years ago, then it's time for the Croat to test himself in one of Europe's top five leagues.

However, there's also a possibility that he remains in north London for 2025/25. Despite Takai's arrival, Spurs will desperately want to avoid the situation they endured last season of having Archie Gray filling in at the heart of Ange Postecoglou's defence. With Radu Dragusin out injured until the new year, Takai and Vuskovic will be competing for third spot in the depth chart behind Cristian Romero (if he stays) and Kevin Danso.

Spurs do run the risk of potentially harming Vuskovic's development by allowing him to rot away on the bench, but they could always loan him out for the second-half of the season once Dragusin returns.

Let's see what pre-season brings.