Aksel Kryhlmand
The presence of Thomas Frank could be a major turning point
Tottenham’s teenage sensation Luka Vuskovic is set to be closely assessed by new head coach Thomas Frank as the club weighs up whether to keep the Croatian centre-back at Hotspur Way or send him out on loan once again.
A Promising Talent Under the Microscope
Spurs secured the signature of Vuskovic back in September 2023, beating competition from clubs like Manchester City and PSG. Though the £12 million deal allowed him to remain at Hajduk Split until 2025, he has since joined the club’s setup and is ready to be integrated, or redeployed, depending on Frank’s verdict.
Vuskovic, now 18, made headlines early in his career by becoming the youngest player ever to feature, and score, for Hajduk in the Croatian top flight. His loan spell last season at Belgian side Westerlo only enhanced his stock: seven goals and two assists in 36 appearances as a centre-back turned heads across Europe.
A Coach With a Youth Development Pedigree
The presence of Thomas Frank could be a major turning point in Vuskovic’s trajectory. Frank is a manager known for nurturing young talent, having previously led Denmark’s youth teams from U16 to U19 level before entering the Premier League spotlight with Brentford.
According to The Mirror, Frank intends to personally monitor Vuskovic’s performance levels in preseason before determining whether another loan move is appropriate. Tottenham are said to be in “no rush” to push him out the door, conscious of his significant long-term potential and the positive impression he has already made.
Vuskovic: “I Want to Measure Myself Against the Best”
Vuskovic himself seems eager to prove his worth at Spurs, telling reporters:
First of all, I’m looking forward to feeling that level and seeing where I am in relation to the players who just won the Europa League, so that I know what I need to work on the most.
After that, I’ll see in agreement with the club which is the smartest next step. The club has proven to be careful and wise in making decisions so far.
His level-headed approach mirrors Tottenham’s own development strategy, as several clubs, including Hamburg, Club Brugge and unnamed top-flight sides from France, remain keen on taking him on loan.
Loan or Learn?
The Belgian Pro League, where Vuskovic excelled, is increasingly seen as a development hotspot, offering young players minutes, exposure and tactical learning at a high level. The player has praised the league himself:
Belgium has proven to be an ideal league at this stage of my career… it gives a lot of opportunities to young players.
Still, the idea of retaining him in North London is not off the table. With Spurs competing in Europe once more and defensive depth a concern, especially with uncertainty surrounding Cristian Romero’s future, Vuskovic may yet be called upon sooner than expected.
What’s Next?
Frank’s reputation and Tottenham’s ambitious rebuilding under his leadership make the 2025/26 season a potentially decisive chapter for Vuskovic. Whether the Croatian stays and learns or departs for further growth elsewhere, it’s clear the club views him as a central piece of its long-term puzzle.
As pre-season unfolds, all eyes will be on how quickly the 18-year-old can rise to the challenge, and whether Frank, known for turning promise into performance, decides the time is now.