In a world of constant media coverage and social media noise, it is rare to see a player arrive at a top club as a relatively unknown quantity. However, the story of Khusanov – a young and promising Uzbek defender – is a refreshing throwback to a time when scouting and rising stars were not always under the spotlight. The 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov’s remarkable journey from an overlooked talent to one of Europe’s most exciting prospects is now taking him to the Premier League, with Manchester City securing his signature in a £33.6m deal from French club Lens.
Khusanov’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just under four years, he has overcome significant setbacks, including early rejection in his homeland, to become a highly sought-after talent. His story is an inspiring tale of determination, talent, and the untapped potential within Uzbekistan’s emerging football scene.
Khusanov’s Early Struggles and Journey to Belarus
The story of Khusanov begins in Uzbekistan, where his talent was first recognized at the age of seven. Joining the academy of Tashkent-based club Bunyodkor, Khusanov quickly made a name for himself by playing alongside older players, showcasing his exceptional skills and versatility on the field. However, at the age of 17, Khusanov faced rejection. Bunyodkor deemed him physically inadequate to play at a higher level, and the young defender was relegated to the third-tier reserve team.
Facing this setback, Khusanov’s father, Hukmat Hoshimov – a former Uzbekistan international – decided to seek out alternative opportunities for his son. This led to a move to Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in Minsk. While it meant Khusanov would have to wait until he turned 18 to play professionally, the decision proved to be a pivotal moment in his career.
Upon gaining eligibility to play, Khusanov immediately made an impact. His defensive abilities helped Energetik-BGU secure an improbable second-place finish in the Belarusian top flight in 2022, a remarkable achievement for a team that had previously been considered an underdog. Despite his growing reputation in Belarus, Khusanov’s breakthrough on the international stage came with his performances for the Uzbekistan national team.
The International Stage: Khusanov Shines for Uzbekistan
Khusanov’s breakthrough moment came in 2023, when he was called up to represent Uzbekistan at the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup. Despite being a late addition to the squad, Khusanov played every minute of the tournament, helping his team secure a historic title. This victory catapulted the young defender into the international spotlight, and Uzbekistan’s qualification for the Under-20 World Cup later that year further solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in Asia.
During the Under-20 World Cup, Khusanov’s performances were closely monitored by scouts from across Europe. Among them was Baptiste Favier, the scouting manager for French club Lens. Impressed by Khusanov’s displays, Lens signed the Uzbek defender for a mere £84,000 in July 2023. At the time of his signing, few knew of Khusanov outside of Uzbekistan, but his potential was undeniable.
A Rapid Rise in Ligue 1: Khusanov at Lens
When Khusanov joined Lens, he was an unknown quantity, a player with little experience in one of Europe’s top leagues. According to Luke Entwistle, editor-in-chief of Get French Football News, the Uzbek defender was largely unknown when he first arrived at the club. However, his performances quickly caught the eye.
“He was a massively unknown quantity,” Entwistle says. “He didn’t play too much in his first season, but when he did get his chance in the back three, you immediately saw something quite special in him.”
This season, Khusanov has firmly established himself as one of the best young defenders in Ligue 1. Despite the settled defensive trio of Jonathan Gradit, Kevin Danso, and Facundo Medina, Khusanov has managed to make 13 appearances, 11 of which were starts. His performances have been so impressive that he has disrupted the established backline and earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.
“If Khusanov came from a top league, he would have cost €100m,” said Kevin Danso, a fellow defender at Lens. Former goalkeeper Brice Samba also spoke highly of him, calling him a “monster” and stating, “He has shaken up the hierarchy in our defence. He is destined for a great future.”
Khusanov’s potential has become so apparent that Lens decided to keep a signed match-worn shirt of his as part of their club collection. This is a rare honor reserved only for the club’s greatest players.
The Nicknames: ‘Tank,’ ‘Train,’ and ‘Monster’
Khusanov has quickly become a fan favorite at Lens, earning a variety of nicknames that reflect his playing style. According to French football journalist Thomas Bullock, Khusanov is known for his powerful interceptions, aerial prowess, and aggressive defending. “He’s solid on the ball, but his pace is his standout quality, allowing him to recover quickly and track fast attackers,” Bullock explains.
His remarkable physical attributes have earned him the nickname “The Train” back home in Uzbekistan. In addition, Lens manager Will Still dubbed him a “tank,” while Brice Samba referred to him as a “monster” due to his imposing presence on the pitch.
Khusanov’s ability to apply pressure and dominate duels has made him a nightmare for attackers. His athleticism, combined with his solid technical abilities, has made him one of the most exciting young defenders in European football.
The Potential and Challenges Ahead for Khusanov
Despite his rapid rise, Khusanov is still a raw talent, and there are aspects of his game that need refinement. One of the concerns about his playing style is his tendency to overcommit to challenges, which can sometimes leave him exposed. Additionally, at Lens, Khusanov was not required to be the main ball-progressing defender, and this will likely be a new challenge for him at Manchester City, where ball retention and distribution are critical.
“He’s an unpolished diamond, but one worth taking a punt on,” says Entwistle. “The finer details and tactical understanding can be improved by Pep Guardiola.” The belief in Khusanov’s potential is clear, and with the guidance of one of the best coaches in the world, there is confidence that the young defender will develop into a top-tier player.
French football journalist Julien Laurens also noted that while Khusanov is very talented, he is not yet ready to start every week for a club like Manchester City. “City are buying the potential,” Laurens explains. “They hope they are getting the centre-back of the future.”
The Rise of Uzbek Football: Khusanov as a Symbol of Change
Khusanov’s rise to prominence is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the growing strength of Uzbek football. Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has invested heavily in football infrastructure, including better facilities, stadiums, and youth academies. As a result, the nation has produced more top-level talent, and Khusanov is now at the forefront of this emerging wave.
The success of Khusanov is symbolic of the progress that Uzbek football has made. With players like Khusanov, Abbos Fayzullaev of CSKA Moscow, and Muhammadli Urinboev, who was in Brentford’s youth team, Uzbekistan is developing a strong generation of players capable of competing at the highest levels of European football. As a result, the nation is on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a historic achievement for Uzbek football.
For many Uzbeks, the idea of one of their own playing in the Premier League was once a distant dream. But with Khusanov now making his mark at Manchester City, that dream has become a reality. “It was a dream for every Uzbek a few years ago,” says SPORTS.uz journalist Suhrob Xolbekov. “Now Khusanov has destroyed this.”
Conclusion: The Future is Bright for Khusanov
The rise of Khusanov is a remarkable story of talent, perseverance, and opportunity. From his early struggles to his meteoric rise through the ranks of European football, Khusanov has proven that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. With his move to Manchester City, the future looks incredibly bright for the young defender, who is set to become one of the best in the world.
As Khusanov continues to develop under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, there is little doubt that he will become a key player for both Manchester City and Uzbekistan. His journey is not just an inspiration for young players in Uzbekistan, but for anyone who believes that with the right attitude and mindset, anything is possible in football.
