Randal Kolo Muani returns to Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for their upcoming Champions League match, after recovering from an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Everton has joined the race to sign 20-year-old Uzbek defender Khusanov, with the Ligue 1 star valued between £20.85m and £25m. Both developments highlight key movements in the football landscape as clubs look to strengthen their squads.
Everton Join Race for Khusanov in £25m French Update
A French report from October 21 revealed that Everton and Newcastle are both keeping an eye on the 20-year-old Uzbek center-back‘s impressive early-season performance with Lens in Ligue 1.
Since joining Lens in 2023 from Energetik-BGU Minsk for £83,400, Khusanov’s value has surged, with the French club now estimating him between £20.85m and £25m.
Neither team has formally offered to Lens for Khusanov yet, but the Ligue 1 team is optimistic that the defender’s current form could attract substantial bids in the next few months.
Khusanov Could Play a Key Role in Everton’s New Defense
A 20-year-old center-back with just over a year of experience in Europe’s top five leagues would be considered a ‘future prospect,’ something the club is excited about.
With a new stadium move ahead, and Dan Friedkin set to take over as owner, the summer of 2025 could be crucial in shaping the Toffees’ future.
Sean Dyche’s contract expiring at the end of the season could lead to a managerial change, and the current state of the center-back options at Goodison Park will also be closely examined.
While Michael Keane is in great form right now, with his contract expiring in 2025 and James Tarkowski turning 32 next month, a fresh signing for the future could be just what’s needed.
Jarrad Branthwaite is quickly emerging as one of the club’s key figures, and Friedkin will be keen to retain him, but the American may need to invest significantly to find him a long-term partner.
In other Everton news, Andy Gray was left unsure after Richard Keys’ comments on the Dan Friedkin takeover.
Kolo Muani Returns to PSG Squad for Champions League
L’Équipe reports that Paris Saint-Germain will include Randal Kolo Muani (25) in their matchday squad for tonight’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.
The France international was excluded from PSG’s squad for last weekend’s 4-2 home win against RC Strasbourg Alsace due to an ankle injury sustained in a training session on October 18.
Kolo Muani will be included in tonight’s match, although it’s unlikely he’ll start against the Eredivisie leaders. The striker has had difficulty securing a regular spot in Luis Enrique’s lineup since joining the capital club at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Randal Kolo Muani Faces Challenges in Securing a Starting Role
Luis Enrique has mainly relied on Gonçalo Ramos (23) as his first-choice striker this season, valuing his experience and ability to lead the attack. However, an injury to the Portuguese international has forced the manager to reconsider his options. With Ramos unavailable, Enrique has been left to explore alternative solutions for the central forward role.
Rather than turning to Kolo Muani, Enrique has opted for less conventional choices in the absence of Ramos. Marco Asensio (28), known for his versatility, has been given a chance to fill the role alongside 19-year-old Désiré Doué, who has impressed with his potential. Both players have been preferred over Kolo Muani despite the French striker’s experience.
This shift in approach highlights the competition for places within the squad as Kolo Muani continues to struggle to secure a starting spot. The French forward will be eager to prove himself and seize the opportunity when it arises, but it remains to be seen when Enrique will turn to him as a starting option.
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