Newcastle United can sign ‘pacy’ game-changer for £25m - cheap Marc Guehi alternative?
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Abdukodir Khusanov can solve Newcastle United’s lack of “pace” in defence.
Recent times have seen Eddie Howe prefer Dan Burn and Fabian Schar at the heart of the Toon backline. Sven Botman would be the standout option but he has been ruled out since March with an ACL injury.
Jamaal Lascelles is also sidelined with the same setback while summer signing Lloyd Kelly has barely featured. But none of Newcastle’s options are known for their blistering pace.
Reports have linked the Magpies with Lens speedster Abdukodir Khusanov for a rumoured £25million. The 20-year-old has featured in every Ligue 1 fixture for Les Sang et Or this season.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell knows France well having previously worked at Monaco. The Newcastle chief also hinted to the media in September that European markets are an option following the failed Marc Guehi pursuit.
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-England and Leeds goalie Robinson backed Khusanov to solve Newcastle’s pace problem - but expressed concern about his inexperience. He said: “It’s a difficult one. He’s a Uzbekistan international with 16 caps and he’s a good player. At 20 years old, you’re buying potential at centre-back.
“But when you look at the experience he’s got, he’s only played a handful of games. One thing that’s worrying about the Newcastle backline is the lack of pace at centre-back. So yes, Khusanov is an option for them and they’d be buying potential.
“But there’s the risk of buying a very young player who hasn’t established himself at the top level and asking him to go straight into playing Premier League football. He’s certainly one to watch for the future but, if you’re looking for a quick fix, I’m not convinced I’d hang my hat on somebody with such inexperience. He’s a quality player and a lot of clubs are looking at him but not to put him straight into the XI.”