Luka Vušković has thanked Brighton & Hove Albion supporters and promised to create “good memories” following his club-record move from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Croatia international addressed Albion fans in a short video published through the club’s social media channels on Tuesday evening.
Vušković said he was excited to begin work with Fabian Hürzeler and thanked supporters for the messages he had received since completing the transfer.
The 19-year-old has signed a five-year contract, with Brighton holding an option to extend the agreement for another season.
Sky Sports reports that Albion will pay an initial £46m. A further £4m could follow through achievable add-ons, taking the total package to £50m.
Tottenham have also retained a 20 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights. The defender leaves Spurs without making a competitive senior appearance for the north London club.
Vušković ready for Hürzeler’s Brighton plan
Vušković revealed that his conversations with Hürzeler played an important role in the decision. He said Brighton felt “special” and insisted the Amex had always been his preferred destination once talks progressed.
The centre-back spent last season on loan at Hamburg, where he was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season. His performances made him one of Europe’s most highly rated young defenders.
Hürzeler has praised Vušković’s development but accepts that the teenager will need time to adjust to Brighton’s methods and the Premier League.
As Read Brighton reported after the transfer was confirmed, the Croatian will become a central part of the club’s defensive rebuild following Jan Paul van Hecke’s departure.
Vušković is expected to join his new team-mates during pre-season after Croatia’s World Cup campaign ended. Albion will compete in both the Premier League and Conference League next season, increasing the need for depth across Hürzeler’s defence.
