Newcastle United eyeing January swoop for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov

Newcastle United are expressing strong interest in acquiring 20-year-old centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from French club RC Lens during the upcoming January transfer window, according to iNews. 

Khusanov has caught the eye with his impressive performances in Ligue 1 this season, playing a key role in a Lens defensive unit that has kept the most clean sheets (seven) and has conceded the joint-fewest goals in the division (14) alongside Paris Saint-Germain.

The Uzbekistan international is known for his physical dominance and composure on the ball, while also recently demonstrating his offensive capabilities by scoring the opener in a Coupe de France clash against PSG earlier this month.

Off the back of a failed move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi last summer, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is still keen on bolstering his defensive options.

Injuries to Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles have made the Magpies significantly light at the back this term, highlighting the need for reinforcement when the transfer market reopens.

Newcastle are not alone in their pursuit of Khusanov, who is reportedly also wanted by several leading sides across Europe, including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain.

In a bid to alleviate their current financial struggles, Lens are expected to seek a transfer fee of around €25-30 million for Khusanov, a significant increase from the €100,000 they paid to land him back in 2023. 

Khusanov’s agent, Gayrat Hasbiullin, is believed to be already working on finding a new club for his client, indicating that a move next month is highly probable. 

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Since going four matches without a win between November 25 and December 7, Newcastle have won their subsequent four matches across all competitions.

As a result, they have moved up to fifth in the Premier League table and are through to the EFL Cup semi-finals.

Newcastle will now seek to end 2024 on a winning note in Monday’s trip to Old Trafford, after which a clash against Tottenham Hotspur to kick off 2025 awaits five days later.