Liverpool chase Brighton’s €100m centre‑back Luka Vuskovic

Liverpool are tracking Premier League defender Luka Vuskovic of Brighton as a potential centre‑back. The 19‑year‑old is valued by Brighton at around €100 million. His contract runs until 2031 and contains no release clause for next summer. Reporter Liverpool noted the club’s interest in the defender.

Why Liverpool target Vuskovic

The early weeks of Andoni Iraola’s tenure have produced encouraging results, yet defensive numbers have spurred centre‑back discussions ahead of summer 2027. Florian Plettenberg first reported that Vuskovic has been added to Liverpool’s shortlist. Vuskovic is reportedly very happy under Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler. He has expressed a dream of joining Real Madrid one day.

Liverpool have been competitive under Iraola, winning ten of his first sixteen matches in all competitions. The side has kept four clean sheets but still concedes multiple goals in many games. Succession planning in defence has become a priority because of long‑term leadership questions. Vuskovic matches the profile of a modern elite target: young, highly rated, senior‑level tested and with resale upside.

Implications for Liverpool and Brighton

He moved from Hajduk Split to Tottenham in 2025, spent a loan at Hamburg, then secured a permanent move elsewhere before Brighton paid a club‑record fee for him. He has since delivered assured Premier League performances for Brighton. Brighton are under no pressure to sell, meaning any Liverpool offer would need a major outlay and a compelling project.

Journalist says five Liverpool stars set for exit under Iraola

Liverpool also consider Ronald Araujo, who could be made permanent for €55 million and can play both centre‑back and right‑back. Vuskovic represents a premium long‑term investment that could anchor Liverpool’s back line for years. A €100 million fee would place huge pressure on both club and player from day one.

Brighton’s reputation for buying early, developing smartly and selling on their terms raises the cost of any deal. If Liverpool truly want Vuskovic, negotiations would be drawn‑out and depend on how urgently the squad needs a starter. Iraola may need to decide whether to allocate the biggest spend to midfield aggression or defensive certainty.

Andoni Iraola’s sobbing defence deepens Liverpool’s injury concerns

While Vuskovic could be a statement signing, Araujo at a lower fee might be more practical if flexibility is valued. Our view is that the link signals Liverpool’s forward planning and ambition to lay foundations well in advance.