Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Ligue 1 club RC Lens.
City, in a statement on their website, said Khusanov signed a four-and-a-half-year deal, with the move reportedly costing the club around £40 million.
“The Uzbekistan international defender will join up with Pep Guardiola’s squad for the second part of the 2024/2025 season, with his contract keeping him tied to the Club until the summer of 2029,” City stated.
“Khusanov joined French side Lens from Belarusian Club Energetik-BGU in the summer of 2023 and has established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in Ligue 1.
“Only 20 years old, the centre-back already has 18 appearances for his country and has helped Uzbekistan make a strong start in their challenge to qualify for a first World Cup, in 2026.”
Speaking after completing his move, Khusanov said: “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.
“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great Club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”
After breaking into the Lens first team following his move from Belarus, the young defender was able to quickly establish himself in the side as they finished seventh in Ligue 1.
They are currently in the same position although defensively, only leaders Paris Saint-Germain have conceded fewer goals.
