Brighton and Hove Alibon’s remarkable start to the season has placed several of their players under the spotlight, but few have attracted as much attention as Luka Vuskovic.

The teenage centre-back has settled into Fabian Hurzeler’s side with remarkable assurance, helping the Seagulls establish one of the Premier League’s strongest defensive records. The 19-year-old has started all seven league matches, with Brighton conceding only five goals and keeping five clean sheets.

His performances have already prompted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool and Real Madrid understood to be among those monitoring his development, according to Football Insider. Liverpool will have an opportunity to assess Vuskovic first-hand when Brighton visit Anfield this weekend, although any immediate move remains unlikely.

Brighton put £100 million valuation on Vuskovic

Brighton broke their transfer record to sign Vuskovic from Tottenham for £46 million during the summer, but his valuation has reportedly increased dramatically since arriving at the Amex. The Seagulls now regard the Croat as a £100 million talent. The figure underlines how quickly his stock has risen and also reflects the Seagulls’ reluctance to consider selling a player who has only just joined the club.

His performances provide plenty of justification for the excitement. Vuskovic has completed 89.8% of his passes, while averaging 6.99 duels won and 4.51 aerial duels won per 90 minutes. He also ranks highly among Premier League centre-backs for clearances and non-penalty expected goals.

Liverpool’s interest is understandable given their preference for defenders capable of contributing during build-up. Additionally, with Virgil van Dijk in the twilight of his career, the Reds need a long-term solution.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have consistently targeted young players with the potential to become elite performers. With Antonio Rudiger on the wrong side of 30 and in the final year of his deal, Los Blancos must procure a replacement. However, for now, though, Brighton remain firmly in control of the situation.

Liverpool and Real Madrid would be taking different gambles

Vuskovic looks like precisely the type of defender elite clubs should be monitoring, but a £100 million price tag changes the conversation considerably. Liverpool could make a compelling case for him. His passing range and physical presence would suit a side that increasingly expects centre-backs to defend large spaces while helping control possession.

At Real Madrid, however, the attraction would be different. Vuskovic would be joining a club where young defenders are expected to handle extraordinary pressure almost immediately. The bigger question is whether either club should spend £100 million on potential rather than proven elite-level consistency.

Vuskovic has made an outstanding start, but seven Premier League matches remain a very small sample to shell out a fortune for, especially given how the likes of Evan Ferguson have fizzed out after early promise.

Brighton, meanwhile, have no reason to panic. They invested £46 million in a teenager they clearly believed could become exceptional. If his development continues, the Seagulls may eventually have one of the biggest defensive sales in their history on their hands. For now, the smartest move is to keep playing him. His value may take care of itself.