Manchester City have officially signed Uzbekistan international defender Abdukodir Khusanov from French club Lens. The 20-year-old joins the Premier League champions on a four-and-a-half-year deal, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029.
Khusanov, who has made 18 appearances for Uzbekistan, will link up with Pep Guardiola’s squad for the second half of the 2024/25 season. The centre-back becomes the first Uzbek player to join the Premier League, marking a milestone for his country.
Khusanov joined Lens from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in the summer of 2023 and has quickly made a name for himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising young defenders. In just 31 appearances for the French side, he has earned praise for his physicality, decision-making, and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
At over six feet tall, Khusanov excels in individual duels and is equally adept at playing in a back three or four. His technical skills and composure on the ball make him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s possession-based system.
“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. 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, and I’m more than ready for this challenge,” expressing his excitement, Khusanov said.
“We are very happy that he has joined us, and we are all very excited about what he will bring,” City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain highlighted Khusanov’s potential, voiced. “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 he is determined to keep improving. He is a really exciting signing as we aim to maintain one of the best squads in Europe.”
Khusanov’s performances for Lens have drawn admiration from both teammates and coaches. Lens head coach Will Still described him as “calm, powerful, and fast,” adding that his potential is “very, very impressive.”
Goalkeeper Bryce Samba, following a standout performance in a goalless draw with Nice, called him “a monster” and praised his maturity and talent at such a young age.
In October, Khusanov was named Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month, underlining his rapid rise in European football.
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