Man City, Wolves Get Transfer Boost as €20M-Rated Newcastle, PSG Target Tipped for Exit | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain is gearing up for a defensive shake-up amid ongoing struggles at the back. With Milan Škriniar’s future uncertain and Presnel Kimpembe still battling to return to full fitness, the club is actively exploring options to bolster its backline.

As Marquinhos approaches his 30s, PSG is eyeing younger talents to inject fresh energy into their defense. The 2024 arrivals of promising center-backs Lucas Beraldo and Willian Pacho marked a step in the right direction, but the Ligue 1 giants aren’t stopping there.

RC Lens have set a price tag of €15 million to €20 million on Abdukodir Khusanov in the current transfer window, drawing interest from several Premier League clubs.

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City are among the suitors, with the reigning Premier League champions reportedly preparing an initial €10 million bid. Pep Guardiola is eyeing the 20-year-old defender as he looks to strengthen his group ahead of the 2025 season.

PSG, Marseille, and Newcastle United are also in the mix. Newcastle, in particular, are keen to bring Khusanov to St James’ Park in January to boost their Champions League aspirations, and the player is reportedly open to the move.

Despite this competition, Wolverhampton Wanderers are believed to be leading the chase. The Midlands club has started negotiations with Lens and is ready to make a significant financial commitment to secure Khusanov, as manager Vitor Pereira aims to shore up his defensive line.

Abdukodir Khusanov could be leaving in January

Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport

Amid growing speculation about a potential move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Gairat Khasbiullin, owner of Football Group LLC and representative of the 20-year-old talent, has made it clear that Lens won’t block Khusanov from pursuing his dream transfer this month. Khasbiullin added that all parties are aligned on the player’s next steps.

“Abdukodir is a player who has already shown that he is one of the best in his position in Europe,” Khasbiullin said (h/t The Mirror). “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.”