Wolves, West Ham eye 18-year-old Uzbek right-back who already has World Cup experience

An 18-year-old right-back from Uzbekistan who has already logged minutes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing attention from Premier League clubs Wolves and West Ham United. Bekhruz Karimov, currently under contract with Surkhon Termiz in the Uzbekistan Super League, has become one of the more intriguing young prospects in Central Asian football.

The interest was first reported by Uzbek journalist Narzulla Sadullayev. It has since picked up coverage across sports media, putting a spotlight on a player most English football fans have never heard of.

A right-back who scores goals

Here’s the thing about Karimov: for a defender, his numbers are unusual. He’s managed three goals in 25 club appearances for Surkhon Termiz.

Born on August 7, 2007, Karimov is still just 18. He moved to Surkhon Termiz in February 2025 after starting his career with Olympic Tashkent, and his contract runs through the end of 2027.

His current market value sits at approximately €350,000. He started two matches for Uzbekistan during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Injury concerns add complexity

Karimov suffered a leg fracture in May 2026 that required surgery. Then came a recurrence of the injury in June 2026, which disrupted his preparation for the World Cup.

This isn’t Karimov’s first brush with English football, either. He trialed with QPR in 2025 alongside another player from Surkhon Termiz.

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