Manchester City’s defensive evolution continues as they close in on signing Uzbekistan’s rising star, Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Blues’ poor run of form at the end of 2024 is a rare sight to watch as a fan. Pep Guardiola’s title-winning side has rarely suffered such an unexpected fate.
The absence of midfield general and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has affected their standings in the Premier League, and only a quick turnout can help them chase their fifth English title.
Manchester City are ready to act immediately in the January transfer window. They are inching closer to signing Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Omar Marmoush and have also reached an agreement in principle to land Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis. But there is another lesser-known player who is now days away from joining the blue side of Manchester.
Abdukodir Khusanov: Manchester City audition
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As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Man City have reached an agreement with French club Lens to sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov for £33.5 million (€40m) plus bonuses. The Uzbekistan star will put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal with an option to extend it to one more year until 2030.
The 20-year-old centre-back travelled to Manchester yesterday to complete his first part of medical and is expected to finish the second part by today. An official announcement will be made within the next 24 hours.
Manchester City have now planned medical, contract signing and formal steps in terms of documents to sign for Khusanov deal.
It will be all sealed in 24/48h. Here we go, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/q5z23n86Zn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2025
Khusanov is a physical centre-back, often using his height to his advantage. He loves one-on-one duels and puts in quality interceptions. Despite his robustness, he is quick in his movements.
This season he has kept 12 clean sheets in 31 games for Lens in all competitions. He has already collected 18 caps for Uzbekistan at such a young age. Khusanov went on from being a substitute player in his first year in Europe to one of the most wanted defenders in the span of a year.
Italian outfit AS Roma were close to signing him last summer, but a failed medical halted his transfer. Newcastle United and Real Madrid kept tabs on the star player, but it was Man City who made the first move.
For players moving from Ligue 1, the major worry is whether the athlete can acclimatise to the physicality of the Premier League. This won’t be an issue with the Lens ace.
Khusanov is a wall in defense
pic.twitter.com/3PsgHHm1Bi
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 10, 2025
The only issue will be that he has experienced the higher level of European football for less than two years. It will take time for him to show his qualities in a highly competitive Premier League.
Since City’s defence is already stacked up, the Uzbekistan star will have a tough time breaking into the starting XI. But he is a real star for the future, and acquiring him is a huge plus. Manager Pep Guardiola and co. might soon announce their new signings of the January transfer window.
