Liverpool ready to ruin Chelsea's 2027 transfer plan
Liverpool have reportedly joined a host of top European clubs in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic in 2027.
The Croatia international joined Fabian Hurzeler’s side from Tottenham Hotspur for €54 million in July and his form since his arrival at the AMEX Stadium has alerted scouts across Europe, with Brighton set to receive a number of offers next summer.
Vuskovic has played a pivotal role in the Seagulls’ eye-catching form so far this season and although he has only recently joined the club, they may struggle to retain his services beyond the 2026-27 campaign.
Bayern Munich are understood to be closely monitoring his progress, having wanted to sign him before his move to Brighton, while Chelsea have also earmarked him as one of their top centre-back targets for 2027, despite the recent signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
In addition, TEAMtalk now report that Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all joined the race to secure Vuskovic’s signature, with the 19-year-old now regarded as one of the most in-demand central defenders in world football.
Liverpool’s interest in Vuksovic comes amid the uncertain long-term future of club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is currently set to become a free agent when his contract at Anfield expires at the end of June.
The Reds are yet to finalise fresh terms with the Netherlands international and it’s understood that Vuskovic has been identified as a possible long-term replacement for the 35-year-old.
Liverpool are also interested in re-signing Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen as they look to bolster the defensive options at Andoni Iraola’s disposal, while they have been widely tipped to trigger the €55m buy-option clause in Ronald Araujo’s loan deal from Barcelona following his excellent start to life at the club.
Luka Vuskovic happy at Brighton
While Vuskovic has attracted substantial transfer interest from across Europe, he has confirmed that he remains extremely happy at Brighton.
When asked if he felt he had a point to prove to Tottenham following their decision to sell him this summer, Vuskovic told The Argus last week: “I wouldn’t look at it like that.
“Tottenham really helped me when I was a teenager. For two years I’ve been with them and the loans and they helped me a lot. I’m really grateful to them.
“I’m in Brighton now and I feel great. It’s an unbelievable club who believe in me. In the end, I don’t know why Tottenham didn’t want me, but Brighton believed in me. Also, a few years back I knew they wanted to sign me.”
