Manchester City has initiated what could be a dynamic January transfer window by securing the services of 20-year-old center-back Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens. The deal, which was finalized on Monday, involves an initial payment of 40 million euros (approximately $41.5 million).
Khusanov has made 18 international appearances for Uzbekistan and is notable for being the first player from his nation to compete in France’s top football league. He joined Lens last season after transferring from the Belarusian club Energetik-BGU Minsk for a fee of 100,000 euros.
The current season has posed significant challenges for City, particularly in their defensive lineup, with key players such as Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Ake sidelined due to injuries.
In addition to Khusanov, City is reportedly interested in 19-year-old center-back Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, Brazil. Furthermore, there are also plans in motion to acquire forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for a sum estimated at 75 million euros (around $77.1 million).
Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, has expressed that the club aims to accelerate the recruitment of new players due to the ongoing injury crisis that has heavily impacted their season.
The situation has been aggravated by the significant injury to Rodri, the Spanish midfielder and Ballon d’Or winner, who is set to miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL tear.
As it stands, City is currently positioned in fourth place in the Premier League, trailing leader Liverpool by 12 points with one additional match played. They are also facing an uphill battle to qualify from the group stage of the restructured Champions League, having secured only two victories out of six attempts thus far this season.
Khusanov has built a reputation for his excellent passing skills and ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back. His physical prowess also makes him a strong addition to the team’s defensive capabilities. Although Lens had signed him on a four-year contract, the club faces financial pressures that necessitate the sale of players, allowing them to make a substantial profit from this transaction.
