‘If the transfer is successful’ - Top Newcastle United target opens up about January interest amid £20m swoop

Highly-rated Newcastle United target Abdukodir Khusanov has revealed that he is keen to sign for one of the best clubs in world football during the January transfer window.

Newcastle are believed to be in the market for a central defender this winter after an unsuccessful summer window which was dominated by a long-running transfer saga with Marc Guehi and a failure to land former Fulham defender Tosin Adariaboyo.

With Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles out injured, Sven Botman returning from a long-term ACL injury, Lloyd Kelly struggling for first team minutes, Fabian Schar entering the final months of his contract and Dan Burn being in his 30s, Newcastle remain keen to land a centre back as they bid to continue their successful return to form over the winter period. The likes of Fikayo Tomori and Malik Thiaw have both been dubbed as potential targets in January but the name thought to be at the top of the Magpies list is rising Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov.

Who is Abdukodir Khusanov?

Abdukodir Khusanov is a 20-year-old central defender that is currently enjoying a tremendous breakout campaign at French side RC Lens where is coached by Will Still. Khusanov rose to prominence in the Belarus Premier League in 2022 and after helping his side finish runners-up was signed by Lens on a four-year contract as the French side bolstered their squad depth for their first Champions League campaign since 2002.

The 18-time Uzbekistan international initially played just 16 times in his first season, with the bulk of those coming from the subs bench. But he was able to make history in the Champions League by becoming the youngest Uzbek to ever play in any form of European competition at 19.

Since Will Still’s arrival in the summer, Khusanov has emerged as a regular for Lens and is now seen as one of the most promising defenders in French football. This term he has played in 16 of his side’s 19 matches while missing three due to suspension. He is renowned for his excellent composure on the ball, his tremendous passing range and his ability to intercept and break up opposition attacks with his aggression and tenacity. His form has earned him interest from all around Europe with the likes of Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Manchester City all circling around him, according to Mirror Sport.

Abdukodir Khusanov’s response to transfer interest

Abdukodir Khusanov’s agent has hinted that his client would be open to leaving France in the January transfer window and claims he has his heart set on a move to one of the world’s best clubs. He also adds that RC Lens will not get in the way of the player’s desire to leave Ligue 1 providing that their transfer valuation is met.

He said: "Abdukodir is a player who has already shown that he is one of the best in his position in Europe. He is young and every day he becomes even stronger. He deserves to play in the best clubs in Europe. We have a very good relationship with Lens and we are on the same side - we want the best for the player together If the transfer is successful, the club will receive a well-deserved reward for trusting the young player."