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.
