Ex-Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has praised Tottenham for the shrewd way they’ve structured Luka Vuskovic’s departure, saying the club has set themselves up to benefit both immediately and down the line.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness explained that Spurs didn’t just secure a 20 percent sell-on clause in the deal — they also built in matching rights, meaning Tottenham could match any future bid for the Croatian if they ever wanted to bring him back.
Vuskovic had signalled weeks ago that he wanted to move on, even though Tottenham rated him highly as a long-term asset. The 19-year-old now looks set for consistent first-team minutes at Brighton, having caught the eye of scouts across Europe during a strong loan spell at Hamburg last season.
Wyness acknowledged that re-signing Vuskovic down the road would likely come at a steep cost if he develops as expected, but argued Tottenham have been savvy in keeping that door open. The former Everton chief — who ran the Merseyside club from 2004 to 2009 and now consults for top-level clubs — also noted that the proceeds from the sale should give Spurs extra firepower to strengthen the squad elsewhere this summer.
Having paid around £12 million for Vuskovic back in 2023, Tottenham stand to make a healthy profit while still preserving the option of a future reunion. Wyness described the arrangement as a good balance between cashing in now and planning ahead.
He pointed out that although Vuskovic is widely tipped to develop into one of Europe’s best defenders, Tottenham have safeguarded their position through the sell-on percentage and matching rights combination. Should he live up to that billing, Spurs would have first refusal to bring back a more seasoned player — even if it means paying a premium.
Wyness summed it up as a deal that suits all parties: Tottenham banks a solid profit to reinvest, Vuskovic gets the regular game time his development needs, and Brighton land one of the continent’s most highly rated young defenders.
Separately, Football Insider reports that Nottingham Forest are ramping up their efforts to sign Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown says Forest are working hard behind the scenes to convince the young Swede to make the move this summer, after Bergvall reportedly made his desire to leave known.
Forest see Bergvall as a possible successor to Elliot Anderson, though Tottenham are currently resistant to letting him go. Still, continued pressure from the player’s camp could eventually force Spurs to weigh up offers.
Brown says Forest are quietly optimistic they can get the deal over the line before the transfer window shuts.
