Tottenham laying down law to clubs interested in defensive starlet

We've entered the relentless loaning phase of the summer transfer window, with Tottenham allowing a long list of developing prospects to depart for the 2025/26 season.

Son Heung-min's emotional departure after a decade of service is currently at the forefront of many supporters' minds, with the cherished Korean's final interview and letter to fans cruelly dropping on a sombre Wednesday evening. That's it. The end of an era.

Son's farewell means you may well have missed the ongoings regarding other outgoings. While many are understandably frustrated with the lack of incoming activity, the club are working to streamline Thomas Frank's squad for the upcoming season, ensuring those who likely would've played no more than sporadic roles in the Dane's first campaign are handed regular first-team minutes elsewhere.

Damola Ajayi (Doncaster), Mikey Moore (Rangers), Jamie Donley (Stoke), Will Lankshear (Oxford Utd), Ashley Phillips (Stoke) Alejo Veliz (Rosario Central), George Abbott (Wycombe), Tyrese Hall (Notts County), and Yang Min-Hyeok (Portsmouth) have so far all secured loans.

Spurs are also hoping to let Luka Vuskovic depart, but they've made it clear that any interested clubs will not have to option to buy the talented centre-back permanently.

Tottenham only agreeing to specific Luka Vuskovic loan

Admittedly, I was somewhat surprised when I read that we were looking for Vuskovic loan suitors. After loan spells with Radomiak Radom in Poland and Westerlo in Belgium, the 18-year-old officially joined the club this summer after we signed him to much veneration in 2023.

Vuskovic's unique talent was on display at the start of pre-season, when he scored and assisted in the 2-0 pre-season win over Reading.

The teenager, in short, has looked ready to contribute, but the club are not running the risk of potentially stalling his development. With Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin (who should return midway through the season), Kota Takai, and Ben Davies, Spurs feel they have adequate depth behind Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Vuskovic would've entered 2025/26 as Frank's fourth-choice centre-back, and would've likely only featured in the domestic cup competitions, or if one of the starters picked up an injury.

There was certainly potential for the 18-year-old to play a role for Frank, but I'm not against another loan if Spurs find the right suitor. According to Alasdair Gold (via The Spurs Express on X), Spurs have made it clear that only straight loan offers with no buy option will be considered.

After two modest loans, we should expect a step-up in quality for Vuskovic in 2025/26. While there are no concrete links yet, I've seen the likes of Hamburg, PSV Eindhoven, Anderlecht, and Besiktas noted as potential options.