"That would be a dream come true for me, but it is hardly possible," Vušković said. "I don't know what else I can say, except: impossible."
The 19-year-old had hoped to stay at HSV long enough to play alongside his brother Mario, who remains contracted to the Hamburg club but has been suspended after a doping violation. That sibling reunion will have to wait.
Tottenham have already confirmed they intend to integrate Vušković into Roberto De Zerbi's squad next season, having had sporting director Johan Lange travel to Hamburg to offer the defender a significantly improved contract ahead of his return.
Vušković was signed from Hajduk Split for €11 million in the summer of 2025 and immediately sent on loan. His season at HSV — 25 Bundesliga appearances, five goals — has made him one of the most watched central defenders in European football. Tottenham value him at €60–70 million should they ultimately choose to sell.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG are among the clubs tracking the Croatia World Cup squad member, while Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan have explored loan-to-buy structures that Tottenham have so far rejected.
On Roberto De Zerbi, Vušković was candid and complimentary: "I consider him a top coach. He loves the game, he loves the build-up, and I like that very much. I hope we will be successful together in the future."
De Zerbi's system — aggressive pressing, positional build-up from the back — suits Vušković's profile of a tall, technically assured centre-back comfortable in possession. The combination of his profile and the incoming arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson gives Tottenham a defensive foundation that looks unrecognisable from the side that narrowly survived relegation on the final day.