Premier League club move ahead of Barcelona in race for highly-rated defender – report

Premier League club move ahead of Barcelona in race for highly-rated defender – report One of the biggest issues for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in the 2025/26 season is that they failed to identify a reliable centre-back partner for Pau Cubarsi for the longest time. Thus, one of the priority areas that the Catalan club seem to be looking to reinforce this summer transfer window is central defence. Now, according to SPORT , Barcelona’s search for a long-term defensive reinforcement may have suffered a blow, with Brighton pushing hard to sign Tottenha Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic. The Croatian centre-back has been followed by Barcelona as a future option for the back line, especially because of his age, profile and suitability for Hansi Flick’s system. Reputed journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Brighton have made an offer worth around €35 million for the 19-year-old defender. The player is owned by Tottenham. Vuskovic enjoyed a fine season on loan at Hamburg. (Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images) Barcelona had asked Vuskovic’s agent, Pini Zahavi, about him, but it did not look like the deal had progressed beyond surface-level interest. Why Barcelona liked Vuskovic Vuskovic impressed during his loan spell at Hamburg this past season and is seen as one of the most promising defenders in Europe. He is right-footed but comfortable using his left, which allows him to play on the left side of central defence. That is a profile Barcelona have been looking at closely, as it opens passing angles for them. His ball progression, composure and physical presence make him a modern defender, while his threat from set pieces adds another valuable dimension. For a Flick high-line system, he has all the tools to be a mainstay alongside Pau Cubarsi for a decade, if not more. Brighton could win the battle Barcelona are prioritising a new attacking signing. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The problem for Barcelona is timing. The club’s main priority remains the attack, and with financial limitations still shaping every major decision, moving quickly for a defender at this price is complicated. Brighton, meanwhile, have already reached an agreement with the player and are now trying to convince Tottenham, who are likely to demand more. Barcelona, considering all the factors, are not in a position to be as aggressive as Brighton, especially when taking a punt on an unproven, up-and-coming central defender. Vuskovic still looks like an ideal future defender, and this is an avenue that the Catalan club can revisit in a few years’ time. For now, though, it does look like the Croat is closer to Brighton than he is to Barça.