Manchester City have finalized a €40 million (£33.6 million) deal with French club Lens for Uzbek central defender Abdukodir Khusanov, marking a significant addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad in the January transfer window.
The agreement also includes bonus payments, and the move will be officially confirmed following the player’s medical.
City manager Pep Guardiola has been under pressure to bolster his team after a challenging few months that saw the reigning Premier League champions drop to sixth place in the table, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points. With injuries decimating the defense, Guardiola has prioritized adding depth and quality to his backline.
Khusanov’s arrival will make history as he becomes the first Uzbekistan player to join a Premier League club. It also marks City’s first major January signing since Aymeric Laporte in 2018, signaling Guardiola’s intent to turn the season around and address the team’s defensive woes.
City’s defensive struggles have been compounded by injuries to key players. Ruben Dias has been sidelined since the derby loss to Manchester United on December 15 and will miss the upcoming FA Cup third-round clash against Salford City. Similarly, John Stones and Nathan Ake have both faced extended absences this season, further depleting City’s defensive options.
The addition of Khusanov, who has impressed with his performances for Lens in Ligue 1, will provide much-needed reinforcement. At just 23 years old, Khusanov has rapidly developed into a top-tier defender, making 13 league appearances this season and earning 18 caps for Uzbekistan. He even scored his first goal for Lens in a French Cup tie against Paris Saint-Germain on December 22.
Lens secured Khusanov from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU for just €100,000 (£84,000) 18 months ago. His swift rise to prominence highlights City’s ability to identify and secure emerging talent. Khusanov’s combination of physicality, composure, and technical skill aligns with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy and is expected to strengthen the team’s defensive setup.
Credit Photo : Ligue1
