Tottenham missed their ‘Saliba moment’ – 66% of Spurs fans have a lingering summer regret

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Most Tottenham fans feel that selling Luka Vuskovic during the summer transfer window was a major misstep, as the youngster continues to impress at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Tottenham Hotspur‘s start to the 26-27 Premier League season has been far from encouraging given how low the Lilywhites sit in the league table.

Spurs find themselves in 20th place after five matches, following a run of three defeats and two draws, leaving them winless and making this their worst-ever start to a season.

Given how poorly Tottenham have played, it is difficult to single out a standout performer, as many in the squad have been below par.

This has left some of the Lilywhite faithful frustrated, particularly with one of their former players enjoying a stellar campaign elsewhere in the Premier League.

Tottenham fans question Luka Vuskovic sale

Spurs’ struggles this season have left supporters questioning the club’s transfer decisions, with many wondering what might have been had they kept Luka Vuskovic.

Tottenham have struggled defensively, conceding eight goals so far this season, while Vuskovic is enjoying a stellar start to life at Brighton, having conceded just five goals with the Seagulls.

The 19-year-old’s strong displays with Brighton have convinced many Tottenham fans that the Lilywhites made a major mistake selling him before he had the chance to prove himself.

Spurs Web asked over 3,500 Tottenham fans whether the club made a mistake by signing Jan Paul van Hecke and selling Luka Vuskovic. Almost exactly two-thirds of respondents claimed Spurs did indeed make a mistake, while the remaining 33% were happy with the two deals.

Taking to social media, Tottenham fans said:

• “Vuskovic was our Saliba moment and we have absolutely fumbled it.”
• “My head is actually gone. We should have trusted him this season because it would have been a win-win. He plays well, we sell him on for a lot more money the next season, or we get to keep a world-class young centre-back. De Zerbi has got this wrong.”
• “Anyone with half a footballing brain knew he was the future of our defence.”
• “We should have kept him for the simple fact that at some point this season all our defenders will get injured and be out for large portions of the campaign.”
• “If it was De Zerbi who deemed him inappropriate for integration into this Spurs team, then his player judgement must be called into question.”
• “The geniuses running the club should not have considered bringing in average centre-backs like Van Hecke and Senesi over Vušković. If they had trusted him, he would have stayed.”
• “Knowing our injury history, they did not think we should keep any depth? Horrible decision makers.”
• “I already see us paying a fortune to exercise our matching rights.”
• “A lad deemed not ready for the Premier League by our five-star recruitment team.”

Luka Vuskovic thriving at Brighton compared to Jan Paul Van Hecke

While it is still early days in the Premier League, the signs suggest Tottenham may have made a decision they could regret.

It is worth noting, however, that Vuskovic was keen to leave north London in search of regular first-team football, which he was not going to get at Spurs.

Tottenham recognised his talent, which is why they included a 20 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights in his permanent transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Comparing the stats of Vuskovic with Jan Paul van Hecke highlights the difference in their styles. Van Hecke is solid with the ball at his feet, excelling in pass completion and progressive passes.

Vuskovic, on the other hand, thrives in defensive duels, outperforming Van Hecke both on the ground and aerially.

Brighton’s stronger performances on the pitch also make it easier for Vuskovic to shine at such a high level.

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