Liverpool are keeping Brighton defender Luka Vuskovic under close watch as they plan for life beyond Virgil van Dijk, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
The 19-year-old is on the Reds’ shortlist for next summer, with the club said to be monitoring him regularly. The report describes Vuskovic as a leading young defender, but there is no indication that Liverpool have made a formal offer or opened negotiations.
Van Dijk remains central to Liverpool’s plans. The 35-year-old has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far, and the club are understood to be preparing a new contract offer. Still, Liverpool’s recruitment team are assessing options for the longer term.
Brighton could demand a record fee
Vuskovic’s Brighton contract runs until 2031 and includes no release clause, meaning any interested club would need to negotiate directly with the Seagulls. Plettenberg puts his current valuation at around €100 million or more a figure that could take a transfer beyond the reported £85 million world record paid for a defender.
The young centre-back is reportedly happy working under Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler. His long-term ambition, however, is said to be playing for Real Madrid, which could complicate Liverpool’s pursuit.
Liverpool are also monitoring Leeds defender Tarik Muharemovic as part of their succession planning. Leeds are not looking to sell the 23-year-old and could offer him a new deal, while the club are reported to value him at around £60 million.
For now, Vuskovic is one name on Liverpool’s shortlist rather than a confirmed transfer target. His contract, Brighton’s expected asking price and his reported ambitions will all shape whether the Reds pursue him next summer.
