Manchester City are set to make significant moves in the transfer market this January, as they reportedly have agreed to a €40m (£33.6m) deal for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, a 20-year-old defender from Uzbekistan. Khusanov’s potential arrival marks the first of what promises to be a busy transfer window for Pep Guardiola’s side. In addition, City are closing in on Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush as a replacement for Julian Alvarez, whose departure left a void in City’s attacking lineup.
Abdukodir Khusanov: A Rising Defensive Talent from Ligue 1
Khusanov’s move to Manchester City is a notable one, not only because of the amount involved but also due to his relatively short career trajectory. The 20-year-old joined French Ligue 1 club Lens in 2023 for a modest sum of just €100,000 (£84,000) from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU Minsk. In the span of just 18 months, the central defender has shown enough promise to earn attention from top Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Standing at 6’1″, Khusanov is a right-footed centre-back known for his strong defensive positioning and composure on the ball. His rapid rise in the French league has seen him become a mainstay in Lens’s starting lineup. Under the management of Will Still, Khusanov has proven to be a reliable figure at the heart of the team’s defence, despite his relative inexperience at the highest levels of European football. His solid performances in Ligue 1 have caught the eye of City, who are eager to bolster their defensive options for the future.
It’s reported that Manchester City are preparing to sign Khusanov to a four-and-a-half-year contract. The signing of the Uzbek international is an important move for Guardiola’s squad, as the team looks to secure a long-term defensive prospect who can develop under the guidance of one of the best managers in the world.
A Strategic Investment for the Future
Khusanov’s signing fits into the broader vision of Manchester City’s transfer strategy. Despite the signing being a considerable outlay, it is important to note that City are investing in a young talent with significant upside. At just 20 years old, Khusanov’s potential for growth is vast, and City believe he has the tools to become an elite central defender over the coming years. The move also allows City to strengthen their defence without immediately disrupting the balance of their squad, which still includes established stars like Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji.
This deal signals a clear intention by Manchester City to ensure they have the right mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents within their squad. With Khusanov’s arrival, Guardiola can look forward to having a player capable of growing into a pivotal figure in the heart of the defence. While it is unlikely that Khusanov will immediately displace established first-team players, his development over the coming seasons will be one to watch closely.
Manchester City’s Transfer Activity Doesn’t Stop There
Khusanov’s move to the Etihad is not expected to be the only addition during the January transfer window. Manchester City are also closing in on Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, as part of a broader effort to refresh their attacking options. Marmoush, who has been in outstanding form this season, appears to be the player Guardiola sees as a potential replacement for Julian Alvarez, who was sold to Atletico Madrid during the summer for a significant fee of around £81.5m.
Julian Alvarez’s Departure and the Need for a Replacement
The departure of Julian Alvarez was a significant moment in Manchester City’s summer transfer window. The Argentine international had made a name for himself as a versatile attacking option for City, playing a vital role in their success in the previous seasons. However, despite his importance to the squad, City decided to sell Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a substantial fee. This decision left a gap in their attacking depth, as Alvarez’s ability to play in various roles across the forward line made him an invaluable asset to the team.
With Alvarez’s departure, the onus has fallen largely on Erling Haaland to carry the goalscoring burden for City. The Norwegian striker has delivered in spades, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League’s goalscoring charts with 16 goals. However, the lack of attacking options beyond Haaland has become apparent, as Josko Gvardiol, a left-back, is currently City’s second-top scorer with just four goals. Mateo Kovacic is the only other player in the squad with more than two Premier League goals, highlighting the need for additional attacking reinforcements.
Omar Marmoush: The Perfect Replacement for Julian Alvarez?
In light of these attacking deficiencies, Manchester City have reportedly identified Omar Marmoush as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Julian Alvarez. The 24-year-old forward has been in scintillating form in the Bundesliga this season, racking up an impressive 13 goals in his first 15 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt. Only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has scored more goals in the league this season, highlighting Marmoush’s exceptional goalscoring ability.
Marmoush’s versatility and ability to play across the front line make him an ideal replacement for Alvarez. His agility, technical ability, and knack for scoring goals would provide City with much-needed depth in the attacking third. Moreover, Marmoush’s experience in the Bundesliga has allowed him to develop a sharp footballing IQ, and he has demonstrated a high level of maturity in his performances this season.
City are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Marmoush, with personal terms already agreed upon between the player and the club. Although negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt initially stalled due to the club’s €80m (£67m) asking price, discussions have since progressed, and the two clubs are now closer to agreeing a fee that will bring Marmoush to Manchester. Given the player’s recent form and Manchester City’s need for attacking reinforcements, this move seems to be one that will benefit both parties.
Vitor Reis: A Brazilian Centre-Back on the Horizon
In addition to Khusanov and Marmoush, Manchester City are also reportedly in advanced discussions with Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis. The Brazilian defender has caught the attention of Guardiola’s scouting team, and City are looking to strengthen their defensive options further in light of the team’s underwhelming performances this season. Currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, City are determined to salvage their campaign and ensure they remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.
Reis, who has been highly regarded in Brazil for his performances with Palmeiras, would add depth and versatility to the City backline. Guardiola is known for his preference for defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet, and Reis fits that profile. Should this deal come to fruition, it would add another promising young talent to City’s squad, as they continue to build for the future while attempting to secure immediate success this season.
Conclusion: A Busy January for Manchester City
The transfer activity at Manchester City is heating up, with the club poised to make key signings in January. Abdukodir Khusanov’s move from Lens represents a significant investment in a young, promising defender, while the potential signing of Omar Marmoush could provide the attacking reinforcements needed to ease the goalscoring burden on Erling Haaland. In addition, discussions with Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis suggest that Guardiola is keen to further strengthen his squad for the second half of the season.
As Manchester City look to recover from a slow start to the campaign and push for silverware, the moves in the January transfer window could prove pivotal in shaping the club’s fortunes for the remainder of the season. With Guardiola at the helm and a reinvigorated squad, City will be hoping that these additions can make the difference as they look to challenge for both domestic and European honors.
