Manchester City have secured the signing of Uzbek centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from French club Lens. The 20-year-old has joined the Premier League champions on a four-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2029. The deal is reported to be worth £33.6 million, with additional performance-related add-ons. This marks a significant move for both Khusanov and Manchester City, as the defender becomes the first player from Uzbekistan to make the leap to the Premier League.
Khusanov’s signing is a testament to his rapid development in recent years. Lens had only paid £84,000 for the young defender from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU just 18 months ago. Since joining the Ligue 1 side, Khusanov has proven himself to be a valuable asset, making 16 appearances this season, including a notable goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup. His rise has caught the attention of Manchester City’s coaching staff, who are eager to integrate him into their high-powered squad.
Khusanov’s First Words as a Manchester City Player
Speaking to Manchester City’s official website, Khusanov expressed his excitement about joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time,” he said. “This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.”
The young defender also highlighted the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola, whom he considers one of the greatest coaches of all time.
“Of course, Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever, and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more. This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City, and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”
In addition to his defensive capabilities, Khusanov is set to inherit the number 45 shirt, famously worn by Mario Balotelli during his time at the Etihad. This move makes him the first Uzbek player to feature in the English Premier League.
Khusanov’s Impressive Form at Lens and International Recognition
Since his move to Lens, Abdukodir Khusanov has shown impressive development, particularly in the 2023-2024 season. His 16 appearances for the French side this term reflect his growing influence in one of Europe’s top leagues. Khusanov has not only contributed defensively but also added a goal to his name, scoring against PSG in December, highlighting his potential in attack as well. His ability to read the game and contribute across both ends of the pitch has made him a standout talent in Ligue 1.
Additionally, Khusanov has earned 18 caps for the Uzbekistan national team, underlining his standing as one of the top defenders in his country. His transition to the Premier League will undoubtedly bring further international exposure to his career. As he prepares to become the first Uzbek player in Premier League history, Khusanov’s signing marks an important milestone for both the player and Uzbek football on the world stage.
Khusanov’s Ambition to Learn from Guardiola and Manchester City’s Star-Studded Squad
Upon his move to Manchester City, Khusanov expressed excitement about the opportunity to join a squad filled with world-class talent. “This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them,” he remarked in his first comments after the transfer. His eagerness to learn from Pep Guardiola, one of the most successful and respected managers in football, is evident. Khusanov is looking forward to further improving his game under Guardiola’s guidance, particularly with the tactical understanding the Spanish manager brings to his players.
Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, has praised Khusanov for his intelligence on the field, describing him as “strong, aggressive, and extremely quick.” These qualities will surely help him integrate into Guardiola’s high-pressure system, which relies on both tactical discipline and individual brilliance. As Manchester City continues to strengthen their squad, Khusanov’s attributes will provide valuable depth to their already formidable defensive lineup.
Manchester City’s Title Push and Champions League Ambitions
Khusanov’s signing comes at a crucial moment for Manchester City, as they continue their push for silverware in multiple competitions. After a difficult run of results, the Premier League champions find themselves 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, sitting fourth in the league. Guardiola has already made moves to bolster his squad in January, and Khusanov’s arrival signals City’s ambition to maintain their competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
The club will look to regain form in their upcoming matches, including a key Champions League tie against PSG. City will travel to Paris with the aim of securing a victory to improve their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. With the added depth provided by Khusanov, Guardiola’s squad is better equipped to mount a serious challenge on all fronts for the remainder of the season.
Kyle Walker Set for AC Milan Move Amid Ibrahimovic’s Interest
In a potential high-profile departure, Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is edging closer to a move to AC Milan. The Italian giants have emerged as favorites to sign the experienced right-back, with club adviser Zlatan Ibrahimović reportedly playing a key role in driving Milan’s interest.
Walker’s exit would mark a significant change in City’s defensive setup, with Guardiola expected to reshape his full-back options ahead of the season’s second half. However, the arrival of young defensive talent like Khusanov signals City’s long-term vision of building a squad for sustained success.
With Manchester City strengthening across multiple positions, the club remains determined to compete on all fronts, ensuring their dominance in England and Europe continues for years to come.
