Spurs open talks for lightning quick £25m Dragusin upgrade who’s a “warrior” in defence
This season has been challenging for Tottenham Hotspur fans, with the team showing flashes of brilliance but failing to maintain consistency. On their day, Spurs can dominate any opponent, yet their inconsistency has left them languishing in 11th place.
The main culprit has been their defense, which has conceded an alarming 28 goals so far. Despite Ange Postecoglou’s side being regarded as one of the most entertaining teams in the league, defensive frailties continue to undermine their efforts.
A significant issue lies with backup center-back Radu Dragusin, who has been thrust into a starting role more often than anticipated. His performances have highlighted the need for reinforcements, and recent reports suggest Tottenham have identified a promising upgrade.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Spurs have initiated talks to sign Abdukodir Khusanov, a standout defender from Lens. Newcastle United also appears interested, but Tottenham remains hopeful of securing the 20-year-old talent, reportedly valued at a reasonable £25 million.
Khusanov’s potential arrival could significantly strengthen Spurs’ defensive options. With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven forming a formidable but injury-prone center-back pairing, Tottenham requires reliable depth.
Dragusin’s struggles in a starting role have made this need even more pressing, and Khusanov offers an ideal solution. The young Uzbek defender, nicknamed the “warrior” by analyst Ben Mattinson, boasts impressive defensive and attacking metrics that outshine Dragusin’s contributions.
When comparing Khusanov and Dragusin, the differences become stark. Khusanov excels in key defensive areas such as tackles, interceptions, clearances, and aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
His stats also demonstrate superior offensive capabilities, including progressive passes, shot-creating actions, and passing accuracy. Additionally, the Lens star has avoided errors leading to shots, a category where Dragusin has struggled.
| Statistic | Khusanov | Dragusin |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Penalty Expected G+As | 0.05 | 0.01 |
| Progressive Passes | 3.98 | 3.21 |
| Shots | 0.55 | 0.37 |
| Shots on Target | 0.37 | 0.09 |
| Passing Accuracy | 88.1% | 85.9% |
| Key Passes | 0.19 | 0.09 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 1.02 | 0.46 |
| Tackles | 1.39 | 0.83 |
| Tackles Won | 1.02 | 0.46 |
| Blocks | 1.57 | 1.38 |
| Interceptions | 2.41 | 1.28 |
| Clearances | 5.28 | 3.39 |
| Errors Leading to Shot | 0.00 | 0.37 |
| Ball Recoveries | 4.63 | 3.94 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 2.50 | 2.29 |
Khusanov’s speed further elevates his profile as a defender. Clocked at 36.48 km/h, he ranks among the fastest players in Ligue 1, rivaling Van de Ven’s top sprint speed of 37.12 km/h recorded earlier this season. This combination of speed, strength, and technical skill makes him a valuable asset in a high-intensity league like the Premier League.
In addition to his physical attributes, Khusanov has demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. At 20, he consistently performs at a level that suggests he could adapt quickly to the demands of English football.
His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively aligns with Postecoglou’s tactical philosophy, which emphasizes dynamic, progressive play.
Securing Khusanov’s signature would not only address Spurs’ immediate defensive issues but also signal their intent to build for the future. With Newcastle also in the race, Tottenham must act swiftly and decisively to avoid missing out on this promising talent. The relatively modest price tag of £25 million further underscores the value he could bring to the squad.
For Tottenham, the January transfer window presents an opportunity to address their defensive shortcomings and reinforce their ambitions.
Khusanov’s arrival could provide the stability and quality needed to complement Romero and Van de Ven while offering a reliable alternative when injuries inevitably strike. Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy must prioritize this deal to ensure the team can compete at the highest level in the second half of the season.