Manchester City have completed the £33.5million signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

Manchester City have completed the £33.5million signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov

The 20-year-old Uzbek international has joined the club from French side Lens and will wear the No.45

Abdukodir Khusanov
Manchester City have completed the £33.5million signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov

The Uzbekistan international has joined the club on a four-and-a-half-year deal and becomes the club’s first signing of the January transfer window, ahead of the imminent arrivals of defender Vitor Reis and forward Omar Marmoush.

Pep Guardiola has spoken of the need for City to strengthen their options in the centre of defence and Khusanov makes the move after earning rave reviews for his performances in France and with his best years ahead of him. The 20-year-old moved to Lens 18 months ago from Belarussian side Energetik-BGU and immediately proved his worth in Ligue 1, with former Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba describing him as a ‘monster’ at the back.

Speaking after his move to City was confirmed, Khusanov said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time. This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.

“And 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.”

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain added: “We are very happy that he has joined us and we are all very excited about what he will bring. For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.

“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving. He is a really exciting signing as we aim to keep progressing to maintain one of the best squads in Europe.”

Lens manager Will Still was also impressed with Khusanov describing him as ‘calm, powerful and fast’ and recognising him as a player with ‘impressive potential’.

Khusanov will add another option to Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol at the back and will be in contention to make his debut against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. He won’t be eligible for Wednesday’s trip to PSG in the Champions League as clubs are unable to register new players in the competition until the league phase has been completed.

Manchester City are set to announce the signing of talented Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov later tonight. The highly anticipated deal will bring the promising 20-year-old to the Premier League champions as they continue to invest in young talent with significant potential.

Khusanov, who has impressed scouts with his defensive prowess and composure on the ball, is expected to join City’s squad and adapt to the high standards of English football under manager Pep Guardiola. His versatility across the backline and ability to contribute to build-up play align perfectly with the club’s playing philosophy.

Although the details of the transfer are yet to be officially disclosed, the signing highlights City’s ongoing focus on identifying and securing future stars from around the globe. For Khusanov, this move presents an exciting opportunity to test himself at the highest level of football and grow alongside some of the best players in the world.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the formal announcement and the first glimpses of Khusanov in a City shirt as his journey in Manchester begins.

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