Manchester City have had a far from convincing first half of their Premier League season.
Manchester City have signed Abdukodir Khusanov.
After the Ballon d’Or win Rodri’s injury, which keeps him out for the rest of the season, Pep Guardiola’s side have looked more fragile than ever, and they have not had momentum in the Premier League. – After yesterday’s 0-6 win against Ipswich at Portman Road, the Sky Blues managed to move up to fourth place in the Premier League, but with Chelsea winning at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City are pushed down outside of Champions League qualification.
By signing with Manchester City, 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov has become the Premier League’s first ever player from Uzbekistan. Khusanov joins from RC Lens in a deal believed to be worth €40 million plus up to €10 million in potential add-ons.
The young centre-back has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with an option for another season after establishing himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising talents this season.
In Khusanov, Man City have signed a machine of a defender, with the 20-year-old boasting a modern skill set that will enable him to thrive in the Premier League even if it may take a while to get used to the level.
Just 18 months ago, Khusanov was still playing in Belarus, which illustrates how quickly his progress has been. Earlier this season, he established himself as a regular at Lens in France after coming in for Kevin Danso who was suffering from a heart problem.
His former coach Will Still joked that Khusanov could have competed in all sports for Uzbekistan at the Summer Olympics in Paris last year because he is “so complete.”
The centre-back has only played 68 games of senior football so far in his still young career, so there is some risk associated with his signing, especially for a sum so high.
However, Khusanov certainly seems to be a diamond in the rough.
