Karimov has reportedly made four appearances for Uzbekistan, including 90-minute outings against Colombia and Portugal at the World Cup. He was left out of the latest match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, but those two starts gave European clubs a clear look at his athleticism and ability to operate as a wing-back.
That exposure matters because Karimov is still developing at club level. He has scored three goals in 25 matches for Surkhon Termez, who sit 12th in Uzbekistan’s top flight. The numbers point to a player with experience, but not yet one proven across a major European league.
For Wolverhampton Wanderers, the logic is less obvious. The club already has options in the position, including Kieran Trippier and Pedro Lima, making Karimov more likely to be viewed as a project than an immediate starter.
The case at West Ham United appears stronger. With Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker-Peters reportedly facing uncertain futures, the club may need to refresh its right-back options. Karimov’s age would also fit a strategy built around securing potential before his price and competition increase.
Karimov’s contract reportedly has less than 18 months remaining, creating a natural decision point for Surkhon Termez. However, the next move must protect his playing time. A transfer to England without a defined pathway could stall the progress that made him attractive in the first place.
The next storyline will be whether either club turns reported monitoring into a formal approach, and whether Karimov can maintain regular senior football before the next transfer window.