Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Manchester City has reached an agreement with French club RC Lens for the transfer of 20-year-old Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov, according to journalist David Ornstein from The Athletic.

Pep Guardiola will secure his first signing of the winter transfer window.

Khusanov became a key player for Lens following the temporary sidelining of their main defender Kevin Danso due to health issues. His outstanding performances caught the attention of top European clubs. In December, Lens’ sporting director confirmed that agent Jorge Mendes had been authorized to arrange his transfer.

Despite interest from other Premier League clubs, Manchester City proved the most persistent.

Ornstein reports that the deal is valued at approximately €40 million, with additional bonuses. Khusanov’s contract will run for 4.5 years, with an option to extend for another season, potentially keeping him at the club until 2030.

Renowned football insider Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the clubs have finalized the transfer. Khusanov will become the first Uzbek player to feature in the English Premier League.

Lens head coach Will Still addressed the situation at a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Le Havre. He noted that negotiations were ongoing but assured that Khusanov remains part of the team and could participate in upcoming matches if fit.

“We understand that talks are in full swing, but for now, he’s still our player. If anything changes, you’ll be the first to know,” Still remarked humorously, referring to how quickly news spreads in the digital age.