Man City sign Uzbekistan defender Khusanov from Lens

Man City sign Uzbekistan defender Khusanov from Lens

The 20-year-old centreback’s arrival strengthens Pep Guardiola’s defensive options after a season plagued by injuries.

Abdukodir Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov (left) poses with Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain during the signing ceremony in Manchester. (Man City pic)
LONDON:
Manchester City on Monday announced the signing of Uzbekistan centreback Abdukodir Khusanov from French club Lens for a reported fee of €40 million plus add-ons.

Khusanov, the first player from Uzbekistan to join a Premier League club, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad.

“This squad is full of the best players in the world and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them,” said the 20-year-old, who has 18 international caps.

“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.”

City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.

“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving.”

Khusanov’s deal keeps him at the Etihad until the end of the 2028/29 season.

Premier League champions City are fourth in the table after a 6-0 win at Ipswich on Sunday.

The signing gives Guardiola’s team much-needed defensive reinforcement after an injury-hit season.

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