Football
Exclusive: Everton Explore Permanent Move for Abdukodir Khusanov Amid Jarrad Branthwaite Speculation, Bournemouth Eye Loan Option
Everton are exploring a permanent move for Man City’s Abdukodir Khusanov, which could replace Jarrad Branthwaite if he leaves for a huge fee. A loan plan can only happen if Goodison’s current City loanee Grealish is made permanent. Bournemouth remain interested in a loan to boost defensive depth, but City are cautious, prioritising the player’s long-term development.
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Everton are also weighing a substantial permanent transfer for Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov should star defender Jarrad Branthwaite depart for a huge fee.
The 21-year-old Uzbekistan international is seen as a long-term solution who fits the physical profile required for Premier League football.
As previously reported, Everton had been interested in a loan deal Khusanov. Sources now confirm that any temporary move can only happen if the agreement for the current Man City loanee Jack Grealish at Goodison Park is made permanent, a process the club are actively exploring this month.
While Everton plan for both scenarios, AFC Bournemouth remain in the race with a different approach.
The Cherries are looking at a loan deal to strengthen their defensive rotation in the second half of the season, viewing Khusanov as a high-quality option to provide depth and tactical versatility.
Manchester City’s Cautious Approach
City continue to prioritise Khusanov’s development, reluctant to sanction a move without a clear sporting project.
The club believe his current environment is ideal for growth, but a substantial permanent offer from Everton, or a strong push from the player for first-team minutes, could force them to reconsider.
Any deal will require alignment with Khusanov’s long-term career trajectory.
Tactical Fit
Khusanov’s combination of pace, tactical awareness, and defensive composure makes him a suitable option for both Everton and Bournemouth.
For the Toffees, he could directly replace Branthwaite’s physicality in a deep-block system. For the Cherries, he provides speed and positional intelligence crucial for transition defence.
As the January window approaches, the tug-of-war between a permanent Goodison move and a loan spell at the Vitality Stadium is expected to intensify.
Unless a formal offer satisfies City’s sporting and development criteria, this saga could run right up to the closing days of the transfer window.
Ekrem Konur is a renowned football transfer specialist and journalist with a global reputation for breaking exclusive stories. He has established strong collaborations with major international outlets such as Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo, Bild, Record, Daily Mirror, CaughtOffside, Goal, and ESPN. Additionally, Ekrem has a long-standing history of covering European football for the prominent Japanese magazine World Soccer Digest. With a massive digital reach of over 1.2 million followers and 60 million monthly impressions, he bridges the gap between club boardrooms and fans, serving as a leading authority in the global transfer market.