Manchester City is set to bolster their squad with the addition of Lens center-back Abdukodir Khusanov, as reports from France indicate a €50 million (£41.8m) deal is nearing completion.
The Uzbekistan international is expected to become the Premier League champions’ first signing of the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola, keen to address defensive needs, has prioritized Khusanov, who has rapidly earned a reputation as one of Ligue 1’s top defenders since joining Lens in 2023.
Lens initially acquired Khusanov for just €100,000 (£85,000) from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, making this transfer a lucrative return for the French club.
RMC Sport reports that City and Lens are likely to finalize the agreement by Friday. The 22-year-old defender has already agreed to personal terms with City and has been absent from recent training sessions with his current team.
Lens’ general director, Pierre Dreossi, recently hinted at the move, acknowledging the financial benefits of such a deal.
“If he has to leave and the offers are interesting, it’s to achieve economic balance,” Dreossi told DAZN. He assured fans that the club’s ambitions remain high, even as Khusanov departs.
Meanwhile, Manchester City is also working on another high-profile signing—Eintracht Frankfurt’s attacker Omar Marmoush. The versatile Egyptian forward has enjoyed a stellar Bundesliga season, scoring 13 goals, second only to Harry Kane.
City fans eagerly await confirmation of Khusanov’s arrival, a move that could strengthen their title defense while setting the stage for additional January reinforcements.