Vusković: Spain Appeals to Me More
The young Croatian defender, following his record-breaking €54 million transfer to Brighton, has revealed that his biggest dream is to play in Spain, whose lifestyle reminds him most of Croatia.
The young Croatian defender, following his record-breaking €54 million transfer to Brighton, has revealed that his biggest dream is to play in Spain, whose lifestyle reminds him most of Croatia.
Luka Vusković, the 19-year-old Croatian footballer and new Brighton & Hove Albion defender, surprised many with a statement admitting that playing in the Premier League is not his ultimate dream. After giving a brief media address last Saturday, following Brighton's 3-0 friendly victory over Roma, the young center-back revealed that Spain is the league that attracts him the most.
"I'm looking forward to it, but it wasn't my biggest dream. The league is, of course, the best in the world, and I'm really excited about my first match there," Vusković told The Athletic, as reported by Goal.com. When asked what his biggest dream is, he answered without hesitation: "Maybe Spain, because life there is most similar to Croatia."
Vusković joined Brighton from Tottenham for a club-record €54 million, or £46 million. Despite the hefty price tag, the young Croatian isn't burdened by the numbers. "It doesn't play a big role because it's just a number. I have to prove myself, give my best, and I'll try to do that," he said.
Before moving to England, Vusković went on loan to Hamburger SV in the summer of 2025, where, at 18, he was a regular starter in the Bundesliga. Now at Brighton, he faces significantly tougher competition in defense, including 34-year-old Lewis Dunk with 299 appearances for the club and 26-year-old Belgian defender Pascal Struijk, who arrived from Leeds United.
Vusković is aware that he will have to fight for his place in the team. "Whoever is best, in matches or in training, will start," he said. "We have a lot of great players in my position; the best will play, it's simple."
Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler believes Vusković needs time to adapt. "He's still a young player who first has to get used to the demands of the game here at Brighton and in the Premier League," the German tactician explained. Brighton has finished 8th in the last two seasons and has finished in the top 10 of the Premier League in four of the last five seasons, with an 11th-place finish in the remaining one.
Vusković highlighted that Brighton attracted him with their project and reputation as a club that develops young players. "One of the biggest talent factories in the world, as we've seen in recent years and will see in the future. I consider the club a top club; they presented a top project to me, and it was very simple," he said.
The 1.93-meter-tall Croatian defender signed a five-year contract with Brighton, with an option for an additional season. He believes his decision to move to England is the right one: "I think it's the best step for me at this point in my career."
Brighton opens their Premier League season against Aston Villa, the Europa League winners, and that match comes between two key UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Vusković, meanwhile, said his adaptation to the new club has been easy "because my teammates, the coaching staff, and the whole club have supported me since my arrival."
