Manchester City have seen Abdukodir Khusanov sensationally linked with an exit from the club, just 12 months on from his arrival in the last January market.The Uzbek international’s name has surface...
Manchester City have seen Abdukodir Khusanov sensationally linked with an exit from the club, just 12 months on from his arrival in the last January market.
The Uzbek international’s name has surfaced despite playing a crucial part in City’s continued evolution of their defensive unit, with Pep Guardiola overseeing a blend of experience and emerging talent at the Etihad Stadium.
Khusanov’s first year in Manchester has been viewed internally as one of adaptation rather than immediate prominence, despite some exciting performances from the player in various competitions, with a fierce battle for minutes ongoing across the back line.
City’s coaching staff have remained focused on development, positioning, and integration into Pep Guardiola’s demanding tactical structure, and Khusanov has found his game time limited this season by the strength of his teammates as well as fitness issues of his own.
As such, links involving domestic rivals have come to the fore given his situation, with the idea of whether Manchester City would consider strengthening a direct competitor in the Premier League now being debated.
As detailed by Sport Witness, Abdukodir Khusanov has remarkably been linked with his former club RC Lens and Premier League champions Liverpool in the upcoming winter market by Uzbek media – with the suggestion being that the latter could offer €50 million for the player.
However, Allez Lens have moved quickly to deny such suggestions, firstly insisting that the French club have never considered bringing Khusanov back to the club, while City have sent a ‘clear message’ that the defender will not be allowed to leave, either on loan or permanently.
That firm stance underlines Manchester City’s broader approach particularly when it comes to young players signed with long-term potential in mind. Despite limited opportunities, the club appear intent on continuing Khusanov’s development internally.
With City competing across multiple competitions and managing ongoing fitness concerns within their squad, depth remains a key priority for Pep Guardiola and his staff, and allowing a promising centre-back to depart mid-season would run counter to that strategy.
As the January transfer window approaches, speculation around fringe and developing players is expected to intensify. However, unless circumstances change dramatically, Manchester City’s position on Abdukodir Khusanov appears unequivocal – and rightly so.
The defender looks set to remain at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City making it clear that their plans for his future do not include a move away, and certainly not to a direct competitor in the English top-flight.
Category: General Sports
