Arjun Menon
Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United are both reportedly interested in signing Uzbekistan international Bekhruz Karimov, according to Narzulla Saydullayev. The two relegated Premier League clubs are preparing for a Championship campaign in which each is expected to push for an immediate return to the top flight.
Wolves have already brought in Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez, while West Ham are working with funds generated from the sale of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur. Both clubs are expected to focus primarily on players with experience in the top two tiers of English football, making Karimov an unconventional target.
Who Is Bekhruz Karimov?
At just 18, the right-back has already earned four senior caps for Uzbekistan, two of which came at the ongoing World Cup. Karimov completed 90 minutes as a wing-back in both the match against Colombia and the fixture against Portugal, before sitting out the final group game versus DR Congo.
At club level, he has registered three goals in 25 appearances for Surkhon Termez, who currently sit 12th in the Uzbekistan top-flight table. With under 18 months remaining on his contract, Surkhon Termez are well aware that his World Cup exposure will attract serious attention from abroad.
Do Wolves and West Ham Actually Need Him?
The fit is more debatable for Wolves. Two years ago, the club signed Pedro Lima in a similar profile role, and Lima has allegedly been earmarked as backup to Trippier for the 2026-27 season. Adding Karimov to that position would create a crowded depth chart.
West Ham currently have Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker-Peters as right-back options, yet it would be a surprise if both remained at the London Stadium. A departure would open the door for a player like Karimov, provided the club is comfortable managing his development at senior level.
At the core of any decision is whether either club can offer Karimov consistent minutes. He needs senior football to keep progressing, and a squad role in the Championship may not serve that purpose well. The potential is clear, but the pathway matters just as much as the destination. Stay with TipsGG for further updates as the summer transfer window develops.