Quick Read
- Abdukodir Khusanov has officially signed with French Ligue 1 club RC Lens.
- The Uzbekistani defender had recently become a key player for Manchester City after overcoming injuries.
- Khusanov was reportedly named Manchester City fans’ Player of the Month for January.
- Premier League clubs Everton and Bournemouth had expressed strong transfer interest in Khusanov during the winter window.
- Manchester City had reportedly rejected all offers, intending to keep Khusanov at the club.
Manchester (Azat TV) – Uzbekistani national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov has officially signed with French Ligue 1 club RC Lens, completing a significant transfer that marks a new chapter for the emerging talent. This move comes after a period of intense speculation and reported interest from several prominent Premier League clubs earlier this year, underscoring Khusanov’s rising profile in European football.
The 21-year-old center-back’s journey to Lens follows a challenging yet ultimately successful stint at Manchester City during the early part of the current season. Khusanov, who had faced a series of injuries, initially struggled to secure a regular place in Josep Guardiola’s starting lineup. However, a defensive crisis at City, precipitated by injuries to key players like Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol, provided an unexpected opportunity for the young Uzbek legionnaire. He stepped up to become a crucial figure in the team’s defense, earning recognition as a vital ‘rescuer’ during a critical period.
Khusanov’s Resurgence and Premier League Attention
Khusanov’s impressive performances did not go unnoticed. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure quickly solidified his position, leading to significant appreciation from Manchester City fans. In a poll conducted among supporters, Khusanov was reportedly named the best player of January, a testament to his impact and growing importance within the squad. This resurgence on the field, overcoming initial setbacks, highlighted his potential and adaptability.
Amidst his strong showing, the winter transfer window saw considerable interest in Khusanov from the English Premier League. According to journalist Kamil Fishbach, who collaborates with various football news outlets, two Premier League clubs reportedly ‘knocked on City’s door’ to inquire about acquiring the defender. One of these clubs was Everton, which reportedly considered a full transfer option for Khusanov, viewing him as a potential worthy replacement for leading defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Sports Boom. Everton’s interest was reportedly long-term, signaling their intent to pursue him further in the summer transfer window after their winter efforts did not materialize.
Manchester City’s Stance and Future Prospects
Another club, Bournemouth, also reportedly pursued Khusanov. Following the sale of Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City for approximately 75 million euros, Bournemouth reportedly leveraged their connections to apply for Khusanov’s loan. Despite their interest, Andoni Iraola’s team was also unable to secure the Uzbek defender during the winter window, with reports suggesting they too intended to revisit the possibility in the summer.
However, authoritative sources indicated at the time that Manchester City’s management had no intention of parting ways with Khusanov. Analysts echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Guardiola would not easily agree to the departure of a player who had brought much-needed stability to the team during a difficult period. City’s firm stance underscored Khusanov’s value to the club, even as he garnered attention from other top-flight teams.
Khusanov’s official move to RC Lens, following such a highly publicized period of transfer interest and a significant rise in his performance and standing at Manchester City, marks a notable progression in his young career, signaling a strategic step for the promising defender to further develop and establish himself in a competitive European league.