Manchester City strengthen defense with Khusanov signing amid injury crisis

Manchester City are set to sign Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens in a €40m (£33.6m) deal, marking the first time an Uzbekistan player joins the Premier League. The move, which includes additional performance-based bonuses, reflects Pep Guardiola’s urgency to bolster a defense plagued by injuries this season.

Khusanov, 23, has made rapid strides since joining Lens from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU for just €100,000 (£84,000) 18 months ago.

The central defender has featured 13 times in Ligue 1 this season and recently scored against PSG in the French Cup. His impressive form has also earned him 18 international caps for Uzbekistan.

Guardiola’s squad has suffered significant setbacks, with Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Ake all sidelined during a challenging campaign that has left City sixth in the Premier League, 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

The signing of Khusanov is City’s first major January acquisition since Aymeric Laporte in 2018.

In addition to Khusanov, City are eyeing further reinforcements, including Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis from Palmeiras and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, currently excelling at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Oscar Bobb has returned to training after recovering from a fractured leg, offering Guardiola a glimmer of hope as the team looks to regain momentum in their bid to defend their title.