Man City strike deal to sign Abdukodir Khusanov - Ornstein

Tom Weber

Updated: 10 Jan 2025 15:11 CST
3 min read

Abdukodir Khusanov, RC Lens, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester City have reached an agreement with RC Lens for the transfer of Abdukodir Khusanov, according to David Ornstein.

Pep Guardiola has his first reinforcement of the January transfer window. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Man City have struck a deal with Ligue 1 side Lens for defensive wonderkid Khusanov.

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The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international has endured a rapid rise to prominence this season, initially stepping in for Kevin Danso who was sidelined with a heart problem.

Khusanov went from strength to strength and it quickly became apparent that he wouldn't stay at Lens for long. Already in December, the club's sporting director announced that superagent Jorge Mendes had been mandated to sell the centre-back in January.

For a few days now, it had been clear that the signing of Khusanov would only be a matter of time for City who, despite interest from Premier League rivals, were actively pushing to secure a deal as soon as possible.

© IMAGO - Man City are also trying to sign Omar Marmoush

Man City sign Khusanov

According to Ornstein, an agreement between clubs has been reached for a transfer fee in the region of €40 million plus bonuses. Khusanov is expected to sign a 4.5-year contract with the option of a further season, meaning that he will potentially be tied down until 2030.

In addition to Khusanov, Man City are also still in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over striker sensation Omar Marmoush and with Palmeiras for 18-year-old centre-back Vitor Reis.

The former has been hit with an €80m price tag, but this is unlikely to deter Man City as Marmoush has become Guardiola's top target for the frontline.

As for Reis, he is expected to cost in the region of €40m - despite a €100m release clause - although he could potentially remain with Palmeiras until the summer.

Neither of these two deals is as close as the signing of Khusanov at this stage, however. City have yet to lodge a formal bid for Marmoush - though personal terms have already been agreed - while their first offer for Reis was knocked back.