Tottenham supporters are going to have to wait a little while longer until they see Luka Vušković donning Lilywhite every week.
The Croatian international has quickly blossomed into one of Europe's most exciting centre-back prospects, with Hamburg reaping the benefits of his talent so far this season.
Spurs did superbly to fight off stiff competition and secure Vušković's signature in 2023, although the defender didn't officially join the club until last summer. The 18-year-old was deployed in pre-season by Thomas Frank and was a standout performer in a 2-0 win over Reading, but it became clear ahead of the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain that the club intended to send him out on loan to aid his development.
The presence of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, as well as Kevin Danso, meant opportunities would be limited for Vušković in north London. Hamburg, perhaps given the connection to his brother, Mario, was regarded as the ideal destination for the youngster, and Vušković is thriving in the Bundesliga.
Luka Vušković to remain at Hamburg for 2026/27 season
The centre-back's standout season in Germany led some supporters to believe that the club would welcome him back from loan in the summer and carve out a significant role for him in N17 next season.
However, Spurs are going to go down a different route. Instead, Vuškovic will remain at Hamburg for the 2026/27 campaign. Club insider Paul O'Keefe (via Tottenham Tiers on X) believes that the player himself is bullish on staying with his brother in Germany, suggesting that he's "not ready" to return to north London just yet.
The 18-year-old may not be keen on coming back to a potential dumpster fire in N17, with Thomas Frank on the brink and the Lilywhites at risk of getting sucked into the relegation dogfight.
While about half as quick, Tottenham should believe they have a Van de Ven replacement in waiting, and if Liverpool are serious about acquiring the Dutchman this summer, Vušković may be forced back to English shores.
The Croat, set to head to the World Cup with the perennial tournament overachievers, has shown off his unique gifts out on loan, with his aerial dominance and cultured possession play standing out as key attributes. Vuškovič, partly because of his brother, is already worshipped at the Volksparkstadion, so his determination to remain with a re-emerging German football giant is understandable.