JUST IN- Tottenham enters into advanced negotiations ahead of January signing of £84k defender after Micky van de Ven injury blow, Radu Dragusin NOT good enough for EPL
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a January move for promising young Ligue 1 defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who could be the answer to their defensive worries following the latest injury to Micky van de Ven. Spurs have endured a frustrating setback with van de Ven, who has been a rock at the back since his arrival in North London in 2023. The Dutchman sustained a thigh injury during Tottenham’s 2-1 EFL Cup last-16 win over Manchester City, an emotional blow for the 22-year-old, especially after his two-month layoff last season due to a similar injury.
Although this latest injury is reportedly less severe, Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed that van de Ven will be unavailable until after the upcoming international break. As a result, the Netherlands international is ruled out of Tottenham’s next three fixtures, which include Sunday’s pivotal Premier League match against Aston Villa, as well as a crucial UEFA Europa League showdown with Galatasaray, and an FA Cup fixture against Ipswich Town. With van de Ven sidelined, Spurs are left shorthanded in central defense and may have to dip into the transfer market to bolster their options.
During van de Ven’s absence, Spurs are expected to turn to Radu Dragusin to fill the void alongside Cristian Romero in the heart of the defense. However, Dragusin has found it challenging to secure regular playing time, typically limited to substitute appearances when both Romero and van de Ven are fit. This lack of playing time has sparked speculation about a possible January exit for Dragusin, adding further urgency to Tottenham’s need for defensive reinforcements. Postecoglou’s only other senior centre-back option is Ben Davies, a player naturally suited to left-back and whose contract expires in 2025, making him an imperfect long-term solution for Spurs’ defensive problems.
The injury crisis and uncertainty surrounding Dragusin have left Spurs considering a range of options, and 20-year-old Khusanov has emerged as a potential solution. According to Football Insider, Khusanov has piqued Tottenham’s interest, and he is not alone in his appeal—Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also said to be keen on the young defender, possibly for a transfer in 2025. Both clubs see Khusanov as a high-upside prospect whose speed and agility could be an asset to their defensive ranks. Known for his quickness on the pitch, Khusanov could add a new level of pace to Spurs’ backline, similar to what van de Ven has brought since joining the club.
However, there are still some hesitations regarding Khusanov’s limited experience at the top level, as he only recently broke into Ligue 1. Sources close to Tottenham and Newcastle hint that both clubs may prioritize more experienced defenders for January if they aim to shore up their defenses for the remainder of the season. Still, Khusanov remains highly regarded as a long-term prospect, someone who could grow into a top-tier defender with the right development.
Khusanov’s journey to Lens, where he currently plays, has been marked by steady progress and determination. He began his career in Uzbekistan with local club Bunyodkor, later moving to Belarus to join Energetik-BGU. In the summer of 2023, he signed with Lens for a transfer fee of just €100,000 (£84,000), an absolute bargain in today’s market. Although his first season in Ligue 1 saw him play more of a rotational role, making 15 appearances, he quickly adapted to the demands of top-tier European football. Under the guidance of Lens’ new manager, Will Still, Khusanov has earned a more prominent role this season, becoming a key figure in the Lens backline.
The young defender has made a solid impression in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, starting in each of Lens’ last eight league matches and showcasing his potential as a reliable presence in the heart of defense. While he experienced a setback with a red card in a recent 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, his overall performances have made him a regular starter under Still, who appears to trust him with substantial responsibilities despite his age. His height—standing at 6 feet 1 inch—gives him a physical edge in aerial duels, and he’s known for his strong tackling and ability to read the game effectively, qualities that could translate well to the intensity of the Premier League.
In addition to his domestic form, Khusanov has also become a mainstay for the Uzbekistan national team, where he’s contributed to their impressive run in World Cup qualifying this year. Uzbekistan remains unbeaten in their qualifiers, and Khusanov has played a significant role in ensuring the stability of their defense, bringing him valuable international experience that further boosts his appeal to clubs in top leagues.
Khusanov’s contract with Lens still has three years remaining, meaning the French club holds leverage in any transfer negotiations. Given his rapid rise and the low transfer fee they initially paid, Lens is likely to demand a significant profit if they decide to sell him in the coming years. This would allow Lens to capitalize on his growing reputation while reinforcing their own squad with the funds from any potential transfer.
The interest from both Tottenham and Newcastle speaks to Khusanov’s emerging profile, as both clubs look to reinforce their defenses to compete at the highest levels. Spurs, in particular, are eyeing defensive options not only to fill the immediate gap left by van de Ven but also to support their ambitions in Europe under Postecoglou. While an experienced defender might be more beneficial for immediate needs, Khusanov represents an opportunity to invest in a player who could develop into a defensive cornerstone for years to come.