Manchester City have officially announced their first signing of the January transfer window, with the arrival of promising young centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.
Manchester City secure the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens
The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.
We’re delighted to announce the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov 🩵 pic.twitter.com/ltXMbzm3TK
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 20, 2025
Speaking to mancity.com, Khusanov expressed his excitement about joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“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,” he said.
Khusanov’s arrival comes at a crucial time for City, with their defensive ranks hit hard by injuries this season.
Key players such as Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, and John Stones have all struggled with fitness issues, leaving Guardiola searching for reliable options at the back.
Khusanov’s signing provides much-needed depth and could prove to be an astute piece of business as City chase silverware on multiple fronts.
A towering and physically gifted defender, Khusanov has impressed with his performances at Lens.
His speed, strength, and composure under pressure have caught the eye, making him an exciting prospect for the Premier League.
Known for his defensive solidity, the young centre-back thrives in one-on-one situations and has shown a maturity beyond his years.
While Khusanov primarily focuses on the defensive side of the game, his composure in possession indicates room for development under Guardiola’s guidance.
At Lens, he kept things simple on the ball, preferring to play it safe rather than take unnecessary risks.
However, with time and the right coaching, he could evolve into a well-rounded, ball-playing centre-back suited to City’s style of play.
City fans will be eager to see how quickly Khusanov adapts to English football and whether he can make an immediate impact. If he delivers on his potential, he could become a key figure for the club in the coming years.
Additionally, he is poised to make history as the first player from Uzbekistan to feature in the Premier League.
With this signing, Manchester City have taken a step towards securing their defensive future, and supporters will be hoping that Khusanov can hit the ground running and help bolster the team’s title ambitions this season.