Latest developments
- Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov.
- They face a battle with Newcastle United for the Uzbekistan international.
- The centre-back has helped Lens to six clean sheets this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Telegraph not big transfer players
20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov is on Tottenham's January shopping list as they look to strengthen at centre-back, though they face competition from Newcastle for his signature.
That is according to The Telegraph; the British newspaper is not a regular source of transfer gossip, which suggests there could be some truth if they are reporting it, while Sky Sports have since picked up the story.
Value (2/5): Bidding war could scupper bargain
An excellent addition to the northern France side since joining from Belarussian club Energetik-BGU in summer 2023, Khusanov is under contract until 2027 with Lens, who value him at around £25 million.
That is much higher than the £4.15 million on his Transfermarkt profile, and while he has also impressed for Uzbekistan, Spurs could easily overspend on the youngster.
Suitability (2/5): Pressure on young shoulders
A grand total of 28 matches is all the 20-year-old has played so far in France – clearly he is developing well, making nine league starts for The Blood & Gold, but it would be an almighty ask to put him straight into a Premier League starting XI for now.
Upgrade (1.5/5): One for the future
And go straight into the Spurs starting XI he might have to, given recent injuries suffered by Cristian Romero and Micky van der Ven, with the former possibly leaving Ange Postecoglou's squad soon for Real Madrid.
One day he might become a legend at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but for now he will be fourth choice at centre-back, behind Radu Dragusin.
Logic (2/5): Too much too soon
If Khusanov is starring in the Premier League in four or five years time, it would not be much of a surprise, but for now, he seems better off developing under Will Still at one of France's biggest clubs.
If Spurs are indeed to lose Romero or just suffer more setbacks, they need proven quality as replacements, rather than up-and-comers.
Whisper+ verdict: 10/25
Khusanov is an exciting prospect and one to watch, but this move, or indeed one to St. James' Park, seems to be a step too far, as there is not too much he can bring for the time being.
