Ange Postecoglou and Eddie Howe could both be left out of Abdukodir Khusanov transfer (Image: Getty)
Tottenham and Newcastle United could find themselves powerless in their quest to thwart Abdukodir Khusanov's move to Manchester City.
All three clubs have identified the Lensois defender as a raw talent with a promising future. And the Ligue 1 club's chief executive Pierre Dreossi has admitted the Uzbek international will “leave” this month if the right “economic balance” can be found.
According to The Athletic, Lens are hoping to flog Khusanov for a fee in excess of £33m. This sum is larger than expected and is bad news for Newcastle, who are working on a tight budget to stay within the PSR limits.
The Magpies are hoping to strengthen this winter, but manager Eddie Howe has admitted it is not a question of what his club and its vast Saudi riches want to do, but rather what they are capable of doing.
Lens' high asking price for Khusanov would make a move to St James' Park 'unlikely', despite Newcastle bosses having long been aware of the 20-year-old's potential.
Tottenham are in a similar situation. Although Ange Postecoglou has significantly more PSR freedom than Howe, £33m is still a significant sum for a centre-back who would occupy third or potentially fourth place in the pecking order behind Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin.
Abdukodir Khusanov is a target for Newcastle, Tottenham and Man City (Image: Getty)
As a result, the Spurs should “not fight” for Khusanov, and sporting director Johan Lange should direct his recruiting search elsewhere. The stars are aligning for City to complete their first window move, with Pep Guardiola in desperate need of reinforcements.
The reigning champions, who have won four consecutive Premier League titles, have suffered a spectacular fall this season. Sitting 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, City's title challenge appears to be over and they could even struggle to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Khusanov could help strengthen the Blues defense, which has opened up with regularity this season. But Guardiola is also struggling with problems at the top of the pitch.
Apart from Erling Haaland, no City player has scored more than four Premier League goals in 2024/25. And the Norwegian's closest challenger is defender Josko Gvardiol.
Figures at the Etihad Stadium are reportedly interested in £50m Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, who can play in a number of attacking positions and could help ease the goal-scoring burden of Haaland.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1997110/tottenham-newcastle-man-city-abdukodir-khusanov