Newcastle United identify brand new centre-back target after Abdukodir Khusanov blow

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Newcastle United look set to miss out on Abdukodir Khusanov.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with the 20-year-old defender, while it was also claimed that Khusanov was open to joining Newcastle United.

However, a Toon transfer is not on the horizon. Newcastle are unlikely to sign Khusanov due to their financial situation, while the increase in his asking price does not help matters.

Instead, Manchester City are leading the Khusanov chase, as Pep Guardiola tries to sign one of the most exciting young defenders in European football today.

As for Paul Mitchell and Newcastle United, they are looking elsewhere.

Newcastle United like Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi

The Magpies could look closer to home, with a new target rumoured.

According to the i Paper, Newcastle United are one of the clubs that like Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi.

The report adds that Newcastle are also admirers of Antoine Semenyo, which is no secret.

As well as Newcastle United, Chelsea are also reportedly fans of Zabarnyi.

However, there is a problem, as the i Paper add that Bournemouth will not sell the Ukrainian defender during the January transfer window.

Why Zabarnyi to Newcastle United is unlikely in 2025

Zabarnyi is a new name linked with Newcastle United, and it is no surprise that the Magpies are fans when you consider how well he has played for Bournemouth since his arrival in England.

The 22-year-old has really established himself as a high quality Premier League defender, and he is part of an incredibly exciting Cherries team.

If Bournemouth were to sell Zabarnyi in the summer, it would take a huge amount of money. They paid around £24million for him in January 2023, and they will want to make a huge profit on him.

Bournemouth are also protected by Zabarnyi’s contract. He has a deal at the Vitality Stadium until 2029.

When you take all of those factors into consideration, it is difficult to envision how Newcastle United would strike a deal.

Paul Mitchell is changing Newcastle’s transfer strategy, with the Toon sporting director keen to sign more players from untapped markets rather than readymade Premier League stars.

Players like Zabarnyi cost a premium, as the Magpies found out last summer when they tried to bring Marc Guehi to St James’ Park.

The Magpies could have a similar problem if they decide to formalise their interest in Zabarnyi. Instead, it feels more likely that they will continue to admire him from afar.