The January transfer window is just around the corner and right now, it isn’t clear who will be in charge of Wolves to carry out the necessary business.
Gary O’Neil is on the verge of being sacked after overseeing a torrid start to the Premier League season with the league’s worst defensive record.
Wolves were thrashed 4-0 by Everton on Wednesday, and the Old Gold showed why they have the worst set-piece record in Europe, conceding 11 times this term from dead balls.
Although the fans demanded an O’Neil sacking at full-time, the message is clear from the board, who could axe the 41-year-old regardless of Monday night’s result at West Ham.
For the Englishman or whoever is in charge during the transfer window, signing a centre-back remains the priority for Wolves and one name has emerged as a possibility.
Lens' Uzbek defender #25 Abdukodir Khusanov fights for the ball with Rennes' French forward #09 Arnaud Kalimuendo during the French L1 football mat...
Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images
Jorge Mendes could help Wolves sign Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov
According to AreaNapoli, as relayed by Sport Witness, Jorge Mendes is looking to offload Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Portuguese super agent has been in contact with Wolves, Newcastle, PSG, Napoli and Real Madrid as he aims to sell the 20-year-old.
Khusanov was initially signed by the French side from FC Energetik-BGU Minsk for 100k, and the talented defender made history by becoming the first player of Uzbekistan heritage to play in Ligue 1.
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This season, he’s developed into a crucial player for Lens, having featured 11 times in the French top division, although he was recently red-carded in a 1-0 loss to PSG.
To land the youngster, the reported asking price is between €20 – €25m, and that could be out of Wolves’ range unless they offload someone first.
Khusanov would be a long-term heir to Craig Dawson
Wolves are in dire need of a new centre-back in January. Their current only senior options are Toti Gomes, Santi Bueno and Craig Dawson with Yerson Mosquera out injured for the season.
Toti and Bueno are inexperienced in the Premier League while Dawson, who had a horror display against Everton, sees his contract expire in 2025.
The veteran also turns 35 next year and it remains to be seen whether they renew terms. If they don’t, the declining Englishman could be replaced by Khusanov.
Khusanov has been compared to Arsenal’s William Saliba as he’s well capable with the ball at his feet, physically formidable, quick and reads the game well.
Khusanov’s statistics per 90 last year Stat Percentile rank in Europe
Tackles 1.98 Top 18%
Interceptions 2.28 Top 1%
Blocks 1.68 Top 13%
Clearances 4.51 Top 27%
For the previously explained asking price, perhaps it isn’t worth Wolves stumping up the cash but he’s certainly someone with huge potential who could replace Dawson.
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