Manchester City sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens

Manchester City sign defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens

Manchester City announced on Monday that it has signed Uzbekistan central defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens of Ligue 1 on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Khusanov, 20, played in 13 of Lens’ 16 league games this season, and City paid a £33.5 million transfer fee for him, according to British media.

“For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick,” City said in a statement.

The centre-back is the Premier League’s first player from Uzbekistan. He will wear the number 45.

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“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time,” Abdukodir Khusanov said.

“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.

“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.

“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great Club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge,” he told the City website.

Abdukodir Khusanov joined Lens from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU Minsk in 2023, playing 31 matches for the French team in all competitions.

Manchester City are back in the top four in the Premier League after thrashing Ipswich on Sunday.