Manchester City are poised to make their first major move of 2025, with sources confirming they're in advanced talks to secure Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov for a reported £41.8m ($51.5m) fee. The defending Premier League champions have identified the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international as the solution to their defensive challenges.
The acquisition comes at a critical moment for Pep Guardiola's squad, which has been battling an ongoing defensive crisis. Several key backline players, including Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji, have faced injury setbacks this season. Guardiola himself has been vocal about the need for defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window.
Khusanov, who stands at 6'1", has been turning heads since his transfer from Belarusian outfit Energetik-BGU to Lens in 2023. Despite his relative inexperience at the top level, with just 31 appearances for the French club, the center-back has already amassed an impressive 18 caps for the Uzbekistan national team, demonstrating his exceptional talent and rapid development.
The young defender is expected to make his final appearance for Lens in their upcoming away fixture against Le Havre. Meanwhile, City's transfer activity may not end with Khusanov, as reports suggest they're also monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush as part of their winter window strategy.
"We need to strengthen our defensive options," Guardiola had stated earlier this month, and it appears the club is delivering on that requirement with this significant investment in one of Europe's most promising young defenders.
