Manchester City join two Premier League rivals in Abdukodir Khusanov transfer race

Perennial Premier League champions Manchester City have reportedly joined the race for in-demand Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Cityzens are the latest ‘top’ European side to take notice of the Uzbek youngster’s rise to stardom.

Khusanov joined Lens from Belarusian outfit Energetik-BGU Minsk in the summer of 2023, penning a four-year contract.

Though his transfer to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis flew under the radar, the 20-year-old is now one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects.

His incredible form in Ligue 1 this season has not gone unnoticed, with several continental giants vying for his signature.

Stiff competition

Man City’s domestic rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have already shown interest in Khusanov.

While the Magpies still contemplate whether to open talks with Lens, Spurs are reportedly ready to present a formal proposal.

In addition to English powerhouses, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig are also in the picture for the £25m-rated starlet.

Aware of Khusanov’s potential, super-agent Jorge Mendes has taken the responsibility for brokering his first high-profile transfer.

Known for his household stature in world football and influential connections, Mendes could help Lens cash in on their prized asset this winter.

After winning a record-breaking four consecutive Premier League titles, Man City seem to have finally run out of steam.

It’s time for Guardiola to overhaul his overachieving squad and perhaps wave goodbye to several long-serving stalwarts.

Kevin De Bruyne, one of the most influential figures in City’s dominant run under the Spaniard, could be among the first to go.

With Man City reluctant to offer the Belgian playmaker fresh terms, Football Today believes Al-Ittihad could lure him to Saudi Arabia.

Recurring injuries have derailed De Bruyne’s career in recent years.

The same goes for John Stones, who, despite being one of Guardiola’s most trusted allies when fit, could make way for Khusanov.