Manchester City have turned their attention to a standout defender as they strive to turn around a struggling campaign. Abdukodir Khusanov, currently on the rise with Lens in Ligue 1, has become a prime target, with Manchester manager Pep Guardiola keen to ‘save their season’ in these troubled times.
The reigning Premier League champions find themselves in a precarious position, having recorded just two wins in their last 14 meetings in all competitions. The decline has jeopardized their title aspirations, leaving them with a frightening 15-point gap behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. With the Champions League knockout stage looming, City’s hopes of a deep run in Europe are hanging by a thread.
Despite his commitment to a new contract at the end of 2024, Guardiola could ask questions about the sustainability of his project, as he faces the daunting task of renovating a squad in dire need of reinforcements. The decorated manager openly acknowledged the urgent need for new signings this month while insisting on a cautious approach, saying: “The club must not act just for the sake of it. This is a difficult situation, especially given our injury problems. The club has to be careful, but I can’t speak to the feasibility of acquiring new talent.”
Read more:
Transfers: Christ Makosso joins Luton Town and the English Championship
Among the potential signings mooted to strengthen the squad is 20-year-old central defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who has won 18 caps for Uzbekistan and has quickly become a key figure for Lens this season, having already featured in 16 matches.
Reports from The Telegraph indicate that City are monitoring Khusanov in a bid to revitalize their season. “Manchester City are actively pursuing Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov as they consider their options in the January transfer market to bolster Pep Guardiola’s ranks,” the report said, suggesting widespread interest from other English clubs , including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, who have also been tracking the Uzbek international since his move from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU Minsk 18 months ago.
Read more:
Pascal Jansen ready to take the reins as NYCFC’s new coach
As City struggle to solidify their defense, Khusanov’s impressive rise as an emerging talent in France has not gone unnoticed. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has spoken out, describing the defender as a “special talent” and a “serious option” for City this January. Romano clarified, “Keep an eye on Khusanov. He excels as a central defender at Lens. However, he is not only on City’s radar; many top clubs across Europe are interested in acquiring his services “City’s interest is real and initial contacts have already taken place. We will have to monitor the progress of their research, but he certainly figures to be a significant target for the January market.”
Read more:
French football seeks its ‘Super Champion’ in Doha
