Manchester City has been plagued by a defensive injury crisis this season. To address their concerns, 20-year-old Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov appears poised to join the squad.
Manchester City’s underwhelming start to the 2024-25 season – by their lofty standards – has prompted decisive action in the January transfer window, with several new signings likely on the horizon to rejuvenate a team in need of support.
The reigning champions have managed to remain unbeaten in their last three league outings, but they currently sit sixth in the table with 34 points, just one point ahead of Bournemouth in seventh.
By Pep Guardiola’s high standards, this uncharacteristic position can only be described as “languishing,” particularly with City already suffering six league defeats—twice as many as they endured throughout the entire 2023-24 campaign.
While many anticipated City would prioritize midfield reinforcements following the season-ending injury to the irreplaceable Rodri, it seems Guardiola has identified other areas that require immediate strengthening.
Centre-back appears to be the primary focus, with City reportedly in advanced talks to sign Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis. Additionally, 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov, a central defender from Ligue 1 side Lens, is expected to be their first acquisition of the window.
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Khusanov Set to Make Premier League History as City Grapples with Defensive Woes
If the deal proceeds without an immediate loan back to Lens, Abdukodir Khusanov will become the first Uzbek player to feature in the Premier League. Manchester City are believed to have agreed to a £30 million deal in principle for the 20-year-old defender. While reports suggest a potential temporary return to Lens could be on the cards, no official confirmation has been provided.
Though the absence of Rodri has been a major setback for City, their defensive struggles have also been evident this season. The club has fielded eight different centre-back pairings, the fifth-highest tally in the Premier League for the 2024-25 season. Their most frequently used duo—Manuel Akanji and Rúben Dias—has only started together five times, with their last joint appearance coming in a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on December 4.
Among all Premier League teams, only Wolves have seen their primary centre-back partnership start fewer times, as Craig Dawson and Yerson Mosquera managed just three games together before Mosquera sustained a significant injury.
City’s interest in Khusanov was first reported in October, but momentum picked up in early January amid their ongoing defensive injury crisis. The young Uzbekistan international quickly emerged as their top target, with Guardiola’s side accelerating plans to reinforce their backline.
For many City fans unfamiliar with Khusanov, the burning question is clear: why has Guardiola chosen him as the solution?
Khusanov’s Potential: A Calm Presence for City’s High-Stakes Defense
Abdukodir Khusanov’s profile may not immediately seem like the typical choice for a Pep Guardiola centre-back. Statistically, he’s neither a high-volume passer nor a frequent ball carrier from defense, traits often associated with Guardiola’s ideal defenders. Among the three most frequently used Lens centre-backs in the 2024-25 season, Khusanov has recorded the fewest carries—movements of at least five meters with the ball—registering just 100 compared to Kevin Danso’s 178 and Facundo Medina’s 226.
In terms of ball touches, Khusanov averages 64.7 per 90 minutes in Ligue 1, significantly fewer than Medina (74.8) and Danso (79.9). Similarly, his passing volume lags behind, with both teammates completing at least 10 more passes per 90 minutes.
However, these statistics don’t necessarily paint a negative picture of Khusanov. His relative inexperience compared to his well-established Lens teammates, coupled with his frequent positioning as the central figure in a back three, naturally limits his progressive contributions. In Lens’ setup, the wider centre-backs often take on more advanced roles.
Even so, Khusanov’s reliability with the ball is evident. His 89% pass completion rate ranks third in the Lens squad, and he’s even more accurate in his own half, completing 91.6% of passes. While a move to Manchester City would involve significant adjustments—playing in a back four and engaging more with the ball—Khusanov’s calm and assured nature on the ball suggests considerable potential for growth.
Lens coach Will Still has praised Khusanov’s composure on the pitch, a trait that could prove invaluable in the Premier League, known for its relentless high pressing. While he may not yet match the archetypal modern centre-back in activity levels, Khusanov’s technical ability and maturity indicate he is far from a weak link. With the right development, he could thrive in Guardiola’s possession-heavy system and become a dependable presence in Manchester City’s defense.
Khusanov’s Is A Pure Defender Ready for the Premier League
What truly sets Abdukodir Khusanov apart is his exceptional defensive skill set. A classic “defender’s defender,” Khusanov ranks in the 94th percentile for defensive actions in Ligue 1 this season. His game is built on a combination of genuine athleticism and raw physical power, making him an imposing figure on the pitch.
Khusanov’s physical attributes are impressive—he is tall, quick over distance, and aggressive without veering into recklessness. Lens coach Will Still aptly described him in September, saying, “Kodir is a tank. He’s impressive physically and athletically.”
This raw athleticism complements his relentless approach to winning back possession. Khusanov thrives on physical battles, relentlessly harrying attackers, barging them off the ball, or stepping forward to close down forwards playing with their back to goal. His anticipation is a standout trait, allowing him to intercept passes or overpower opponents with ease.
For example, his strength and tenacity were on full display in two key scenarios this season. In one, Khusanov outmuscled a centre-forward to prod the ball away, showcasing his power.
In another, his recovery pace allowed him to chase down a Strasbourg forward and head away a dangerous cross. He’s also demonstrated precision in sliding tackles, such as a perfectly timed intervention to clear danger in his penalty box.
Statistically, Khusanov’s defensive contributions are noteworthy. He has made 26 interceptions this season, the second most among Ligue 1 defenders. The only player with more, Dylan Batubinsika, has logged 340 additional minutes and plays for a Saint-Étienne side frequently under defensive pressure. Khusanov’s aerial prowess is equally impressive, placing him in the 85th percentile among Ligue 1 centre-backs for aerial duels won.
Khusanov’s fearless mentality further bolsters his reputation. His robust performance for Uzbekistan against Spain at the 2024 Olympics exemplified his refusal to be intimidated by high-profile opponents. This resilience, paired with his physical and technical attributes, positions Khusanov as a formidable addition to Manchester City’s defense, ready to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
The Risks and Challenges of Khusanov’s Move to Manchester City
Despite his immense potential, Abdukodir Khusanov’s signing does carry notable risks and challenges. His aggressive defensive style, while effective, has raised concerns about rashness. Although he has only received two yellow cards this season, his red card against Paris Saint-Germain for a studs-up challenge on Achraf Hakimi highlights the fine line he treads with his approach.
Khusanov’s inexperience at the highest level is another factor. Since joining Lens from Energetik-BGU in Belarus in 2023, he has only made 24 Ligue 1 appearances. His rise to a starting role was largely due to Kevin Danso’s absence, caused by a heart condition that also ended Danso’s potential transfer to Roma in August. This limited exposure means Khusanov is still learning the nuances of elite football, making a move to Manchester City a leap into the deep end.
Cultural and tactical adjustments also loom large. At Lens, Khusanov has been described as a quiet figure by his teammates and coach Will Still, with a language barrier that hasn’t yet been problematic. However, at Manchester City, where constant communication on the pitch is vital, his reserved nature may be tested.
On the tactical front, Khusanov will need to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s possession-heavy style. While Lens isn’t a passive team, City’s dominance in games will require him to handle significantly more ball-playing responsibilities, a shift from his current role in a back three to a more demanding back-four setup.
That said, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed success in football transfers. Khusanov’s physical attributes—his athleticism, speed, and strength—provide a strong foundation for adapting to the Premier League’s demands. Additionally, his proactive and uncompromising defensive style could win over admirers if he successfully adjusts to the rigors of Manchester City’s tactical system and English football’s intensity.
Only time will reveal whether Khusanov can rise to the challenge, but his potential suggests he could become a key player if he overcomes these hurdles.
Read More: Who is Real Madrid’s Newest Signing, 18 Year Old Lamini Fati? Scouting Report and Tactical Analysis
FAQs
Who is Abdukodir Khusanov, and what makes him a unique prospect?
Abdukodir Khusanov is a 20-year-old Uzbekistan international defender known for his defensive aggression, athleticism, and physical power, currently playing for Lens in Ligue 1.
Why is Manchester City interested in signing Khusanov?
Manchester City sees Khusanov as a versatile defender with raw defensive attributes and significant potential to adapt to the Premier League’s physical demands.
What are Khusanov’s key strengths as a defender?
Khusanov excels in aerial duels, ranks in the 94th percentile for defensive actions, and boasts remarkable speed, strength, and a proactive approach to winning back possession.
What challenges could Khusanov face at Manchester City?
Khusanov may struggle with adapting to City’s possession-heavy style, language barriers, and the shift from a back-three system at Lens to a back-four setup under Pep Guardiola.
Has Khusanov proven himself at the highest level of football?
While Khusanov has shown promise with Lens, he remains inexperienced, with just 24 Ligue 1 appearances since 2023, and his development will be closely watched if he joins Manchester City.
