Abdukodir Khusanov: Manchester City’s New Defensive Powerhouse

By Oladeji Olabisi
2 Min Read
Abdukodir Khusanov Joins Manchester City

Abdukodir Khusanov, the Uzbek professional footballer, has made history by becoming the first Uzbek player to join Manchester City. The 19-year-old centre-back signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League giants, securing a staggering £33.6 million transfer from French club Lens—a massive leap from his £84,000 move to Lens from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU just 18 months ago.

From Uzbekistan to the Premier League
Khusanov’s career began in Uzbekistan’s youth leagues, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He debuted internationally for the Uzbekistan U17 national team and later shone for the Uzbekistan U23 squad, delivering his first assist in a crucial match against Iran. His speed, strength, and tactical intelligence caught the eye of European scouts, paving his path to Manchester City.

Abdukodir Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov

Why Manchester City Signed Abdukodir Khusanov
Known as one of the fastest defenders globally, Khusanov combines physicality with technical skill. Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, praised him:

“Abdukodir is already a strong, aggressive, and intelligent defender. Working with Pep Guardiola will elevate his game even further.”

Khusanov himself expressed excitement:

“This squad is full of the best players in the world. Learning from Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest coaches ever, is a dream.”

Abdukodir Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov

Multilingual Adaptability
Beyond his on-field talent, Khusanov speaks Uzbek, Russian, and French—a trait that underscores his ability to adapt to new cultures, a key asset for thriving in the Premier League.

Record-Breaking Transfer
The £33.6 million deal marks a monumental rise for Khusanov. Just two years ago, he was playing in Belarus’s lower leagues. Now, he joins Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City (external link), a club renowned for developing young talent.

What’s Next for Khusanov?
Fans can expect Khusanov to debut in upcoming Premier League matches. His journey from Uzbekistan’s youth teams to England’s top flight is a testament to his dedication. For more on rising stars, explore our guide to Premier League’s Young Defenders (internal link).

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