Newcastle consider signing £25m ‘monster’ as Paul Mitchell eyes transfer risk

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Paul Mitchell is trying to think outside the box, as Newcastle United plan to strengthen their squad in 2025.

The Magpies desperately need reinforcements next year, with their 2024 transfer record proving to be rather disappointing. Newcastle United have not signed anyone who improves the starting XI, with Lloyd Kelly the only summer signing to have featured semi-regularly.

Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell knows he has a big job on his hands in 2025, with a centre-back high on his list of priorities.

But with Newcastle unlikely to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, alternatives are being identified.

Newcastle United and Tottenham target Abdukodir Khusanov

Mitchell wants Newcastle to take more risks in the transfer market, and Abdukodir Khusanov would be exactly that.

Geordie Boot Boys were told in October that Newcastle have scouted Abdukodir Khusanov, and now the Telegraph have provided more details on the Magpies’ interest.

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle and Tottenham are two of the seven Premier League clubs who are looking at the Lens centre-back, who could leave the Ligue 1 club for £25million.

The report adds that Newcastle believe Khusanov could make the step up from Ligue 1 to Premier League, despite the 20-year-old from Uzbekistan being relatively inexperienced.

Newcastle could make Premier League history with Abdukodir Khusanov

Khusanov is in his second season with Lens, having joined the French club in 2023 from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU.

In doing so, he became the first Uzbek player to compete in Ligue 1.

Now he could become the Premier League’s first ever Uzbek player, with Newcastle and various other clubs eyeing a deal for the talented youngster.

The 6ft 1in defender has been described as a ‘monster‘, and is the type of player that Paul Mitchell would love to bring to St James’ Park.

Newcastle want to take more risks and sign players from untapped markets. In Khusanov, they could get exactly that. However, there is already serious competition for his signature.