In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Newcastle United are among the clubs hoping to sign Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov. It has been claimed that the Magpies would have to rival Crystal Palace, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, West Ham United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to land the Uzbekistan international next year.
Khusanov’s Impressive Form In French Football This Season
Khusanov has made a solid start to this Ligue 1 campaign after he put in a series of impressive performances for Lens on the defensive end of the field. The 20-year-old has participated in ten matches for the French club this season in various competitions.
The Uzbek talent has been a dominant presence when defending inside his half as he is averaging 1.0 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per game in Ligue 1. He was even been tidy when distributing possession from the back based on his pass success rate of 89.1% in the French first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it tough for the Magpies to get a deal done for him on the cheap next year.
Newcastle United Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Land Khusanov: Is He A Prospect For The Future?
Khusanov is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive.
The Uzbek sensation can use his strong 1.86m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, he might need some time to settle into life in the Premier League if the Magpies manage to snap him up next year.
At 20, Khusanov has the potential to be a future star in English football as long as he continues to improve with each season. He is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future, so Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would do well to get him on board this January or at the end of this campaign. However, Howe has to be patient with his development before he can get the best out of him at the Tyneside club.
