Liverpool and Real Madrid go head-to-head in race to sign 'special' defender

Liverpool and Real Madrid are monitoring Brighton centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who has impressed since his £46m summer move from Tottenham.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are among Europe's top clubs tracking Brighton centre-back Luka Vuskovic, sources have told Football Insider. The 19-year-old Croatian has established himself as a regular starter for the Seagulls since arriving from Tottenham for a club-record £46m in the summer. Vuskovic has started all seven of Brighton's Premier League games as they sit third with 16 points, and has been integral to their joint-strongest defence, with just five goals conceded and five clean sheets.

The teenager is emerging as one of the best young centre-backs in football, leading top-flight defenders in several key metrics including successful pass percentage (89.8%), duels won per 90 (6.99) and aerial duels won per 90 (4.51). Brighton believe he is already worth £100m despite signing him for less than half that fee just months ago, and sources suggest he could be on the move again in 2027 after making such an impression under manager Fabian Hurzeler.