Manchester City are reportedly entering a competitive race to secure the signature of Abdukodir Khusanov, a highly-rated 20-year-old centre-back currently playing for Ligue 1 club Lens. The Uzbek international has attracted widespread interest following an impressive start to the season, and City now find themselves in direct competition with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Khusanov’s rise to prominence has been rapid, with the defender already making 18 senior appearances for the Uzbekistan national team despite his young age. His mature performances in France have earned him a reputation as one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe. According to reports, Manchester City are one of the clubs monitoring his progress closely, and with the January transfer window now open, the race for his signature is heating up.
This article takes a detailed look at Khusanov’s impressive career, his playing style, and the interest surrounding him from some of the Premier League’s top clubs. We also examine how Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur may all be looking to bolster their defensive options through his signing.
Abdukodir Khusanov: A Rising Star in Ligue 1
Khusanov’s Journey to France
Abdukodir Khusanov’s rise to prominence began in his home country of Uzbekistan, where he was seen as a prodigious talent from a young age. The 20-year-old defender initially made waves in the domestic league before attracting the attention of scouts from top European clubs. In the summer of 2023, Khusanov made the move to Ligue 1, joining the French club Lens, known for its astute scouting and player development system.
At the time of his transfer, many were intrigued by the move, as Lens had a reputation for nurturing young talents and turning them into sought-after assets. While Khusanov’s signing was relatively under the radar, it quickly became apparent that the young Uzbek was destined for bigger things.
Impact at Lens: Establishing Himself as a Key Player
Khusanov started his time at Lens under the stewardship of then-manager Franck Haise, who introduced him gradually into the first-team fold. However, it was when Will Still took over the reins at the club in the summer of 2023 that Khusanov truly began to shine. Under Still’s leadership, Khusanov became a regular starter in the team’s defense and quickly demonstrated his adaptability in various defensive setups.
The 20-year-old is comfortable playing in both a back-three and a traditional four-man defense, which has made him an attractive option for top European clubs. His tactical awareness, physicality, and composure on the ball have impressed both his coaches and scouts from around the continent. As the season has progressed, Khusanov has firmly established himself as one of the standout defenders in Ligue 1, drawing attention from top clubs, particularly in the Premier League.
Premier League Interest: Manchester City, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City: A Defensive Reinforcement for Guardiola?
Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are among the clubs that have reportedly shown interest in Khusanov. Pep Guardiola, known for his tactical mastery and attention to detail, has been vocal about his desire for defensive reinforcements heading into the January transfer window. City have faced numerous injury problems this season, particularly in the centre-back position, and Guardiola has publicly expressed his frustration with the club’s lack of defensive depth.
“We thought central defenders would be fit all season, but we have struggled,” Guardiola lamented at the end of 2024. “Holding midfield and central defenders – we need help.”
City’s injury woes have forced Guardiola to frequently rotate his defenders, which has led to inconsistencies at the back. Key players like Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Aymeric Laporte have all missed spells of the season due to injuries, leaving City with limited options in defence. The addition of Khusanov, a young and versatile centre-back, would give Guardiola more depth and flexibility in his defensive options, particularly with the club’s aspirations of competing on multiple fronts this season.
While City’s interest in Khusanov is undeniable, the club’s financial constraints and the January market’s limited availability could present challenges. Guardiola, however, is known for finding solutions to problems, and if Khusanov is seen as the right fit, the club will likely push to secure his signature.
Newcastle United: Looking for Long-Term Stability
Newcastle United, who are currently riding high under the management of Eddie Howe, are also in the mix for Khusanov. The Magpies have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024-25 Premier League season and are looking to build on their success by strengthening key areas of the squad. With a defence that has served them well, Newcastle are reportedly interested in adding a young, talented centre-back to ensure long-term stability at the back.
Despite having a relatively settled central defensive partnership with players like Sven Botman and Fabian Schär, Newcastle’s defensive options are starting to show their age, and Khusanov could provide a much-needed infusion of youth and potential. The Magpies’ focus on building a squad for the future aligns with their interest in Khusanov, who has already shown he can handle the rigors of top-tier football at a young age.
For Newcastle, securing a player like Khusanov would also demonstrate their growing ambitions, both in the Premier League and in European competition. The addition of such a promising young talent would fit into the club’s broader project of securing quality players with long-term potential.
Tottenham Hotspur: A Defensive Rebuild Under Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of new manager Ange Postecoglou, have also been linked with Khusanov. The North London club has been in the midst of a defensive overhaul, and their need for reinforcements has been highlighted by injuries to key players. Spurs have been plagued by defensive problems this season, with a lack of fit centre-backs forcing Postecoglou to field inexperienced or out-of-position players in central defence.
In fact, during one particularly challenging spell, Postecoglou was forced to play Radu Dragusin, a player not fully fit, due to a series of injuries that left him without a senior centre-back. This has made it clear that Tottenham’s defence needs reinforcements, and Khusanov could be an ideal candidate to shore up their backline.
Khusanov’s versatility, maturity for his age, and ability to play in various defensive systems could provide Postecoglou with the depth he needs to strengthen Spurs’ defence for the remainder of the season. With the team looking to improve their standing in the Premier League and challenge for European spots, securing a player of Khusanov’s potential would be a significant step forward.
The Race for Khusanov: Who Will Secure His Signature?
With Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur all vying for Khusanov’s signature, the race for the young defender is well and truly on. While all three clubs would benefit from his addition, each team has different motivations and needs that could influence their ability to secure a deal.
For Manchester City, the immediate need is to shore up their injury-hit defence and provide Guardiola with more options. For Newcastle, Khusanov represents a long-term investment that could strengthen their defence for years to come, while Tottenham sees the player as a potential solution to their defensive woes under Postecoglou.
Ultimately, the player’s own preferences, as well as the financial and strategic considerations of the clubs involved, will determine where he ends up. The January transfer window could be a pivotal moment in Khusanov’s young career, and with a move to one of these Premier League clubs, he could soon be playing at the heart of a top-tier defense.
Conclusion: The Next Step for Abdukodir Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov’s rise from a relatively unknown talent in Uzbekistan to a key figure at Lens and a sought-after defensive prospect is a testament to his quality and potential. The interest from top Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, reflects his growing reputation in European football.
With his adaptability, composure under pressure, and defensive versatility, Khusanov is well-positioned to make an impact at one of these Premier League clubs. Whether he remains in Ligue 1 or makes the move to England in January, the young defender’s future is undoubtedly bright, and his next steps could have a significant impact on both his career and the clubs he joins. As the transfer window heats up, it will be fascinating to see where Khusanov’s future lies.
