Manchester City have officially secured the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens, with the Uzbek defender set to join the Premier League champions in a deal worth €40 million (£33.5 million).
The agreement includes performance-related bonuses, highlighting the club’s belief in the 18-year-old’s immense potential.
A Historic Move
Khusanov’s transfer marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Uzbek player to feature in the Premier League. After agreeing personal terms earlier this week, both clubs swiftly finalized negotiations, and the player has successfully completed his medical in Manchester.
A Star on the Rise
Khusanov arrives at the Etihad Stadium following an impressive spell at Lens, where he has rapidly developed into one of Europe’s most promising young defenders. Lens originally signed Khusanov from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU for just €100,000 18 months ago. His meteoric rise has now culminated in a big-money move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Khusanov’s Record at Lens
The defender’s statistics from the current season underscore his reliability and potential. In Ligue 1, Khusanov made 13 appearances in the 2024-2025 campaign, picking up two yellow cards but showcasing his composure and discipline in high-pressure situations. Additionally, he featured in the French Cup, where he played one match.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Depth and Quality for Manchester City
At just 18 years old, Khusanov’s signing represents a long-term investment by Pep Guardiola’s side. While Manchester City’s defensive lineup already features elite talents such as Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji, Khusanov brings an exciting mix of youth, technical ability, and tactical intelligence.
His ability to adapt to high-intensity football, combined with his proficiency in building play from the back, aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s philosophy. While he may initially feature as a rotational option, Khusanov has the potential to become a key figure in City’s defense for years to come.
A Perfect Fit for Guardiola’s System
Khusanov’s ability to read the game and his calmness on the ball make him a natural fit for Manchester City’s possession-based approach. Standing at 6’2″, he also provides an aerial presence, adding another layer to City’s defensive arsenal.
What This Signing Means for City
With Manchester City competing on multiple fronts this season, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cups, the addition of Khusanov bolsters their squad depth. Guardiola has a proven track record of developing young defenders, and under his guidance, Khusanov has the opportunity to thrive in one of the most competitive environments in world football.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the first Uzbek player in the Premier League, Khusanov’s move also carries cultural significance, potentially inspiring a new generation of talent from Central Asia. For City, the transfer represents another example of their ability to identify and invest in the brightest young prospects.
Khusanov’s journey from Energetik-BGU to Lens and now Manchester City is a testament to his talent and determination. All eyes will now be on the young defender as he embarks on this new chapter of his career, aiming to make his mark in the world’s most demanding league.