Manchester City has reached an agreement with French club RC Lens for the transfer of Uzbekistan international defender Abdukodir Khusanov. The deal, worth €40m (£33.6m), includes additional bonus payments and marks a significant step in City’s efforts to reinforce their squad during the January transfer window.
Khusanov, 23, is set to undergo a medical ahead of the official confirmation of the move. The central defender will make history as the first Uzbek player to join a Premier League club. His signing is also City’s most notable winter acquisition since Aymeric Laporte joined the club in 2018.
The deal highlights manager Pep Guardiola’s intent to reverse Manchester City’s recent struggles. The reigning Premier League champions have endured a difficult campaign, slipping to sixth in the table and trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points. Injuries have compounded their troubles, leaving Guardiola short on defensive options.
Injury Crisis Prompts Action
City’s defensive woes have been evident throughout the season. Key players Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Ake have missed significant game time, with Dias ruled out since mid-December. This crisis has forced Guardiola to act decisively in the transfer market.
Khusanov has been in fine form for Lens, making 13 Ligue 1 appearances this season and scoring his first goal in a French Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain on 22 December. The defender’s rapid development since joining Lens from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU for just €100,000 (£84,000) 18 months ago has caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. He also boasts 18 international caps for Uzbekistan.
City’s Transfer Plans Continue
Khusanov’s arrival may not be the last piece of January business for City. The club is in negotiations with Brazilian side Palmeiras over 18-year-old defender Vitor Reis, although Palmeiras’ president has publicly denied any intention to sell the highly-rated prospect. Additionally, City is monitoring Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, who has impressed at Eintracht Frankfurt this season.
Welcome Boost to Squad
City fans have also been buoyed by the return of 21-year-old Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb, who is back in training after a five-month absence with a fractured leg. His recovery could provide Guardiola with an additional attacking option as the team seeks to regain momentum in the second half of the season.
Manchester City will hope that Khusanov’s addition and the potential return of other key players can spark a revival as they aim to reclaim their place at the summit of English football.
