Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — English club Manchester City has officially announced the signing of Uzbekistan national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who previously played for French side Lens.

The contract is for four and a half years, running until the summer of 2029. Khusanov will wear the number 45 jersey at his new club.

Khusanov joined Lens in the summer of 2023 from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Ligue 1.

At just 20 years old, he has already earned 18 caps for Uzbekistan’s national team, making a significant contribution to their strong start in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The player has expressed his excitement about becoming the first Uzbek footballer to play in the Premier League. “It is a tremendous honor for me to join Manchester City, a club I have admired for many years,” Khusanov shared.

“To play alongside the best players in the world and to learn under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest coaches in history, is a dream come true. I am proud of this moment, as is my family, and I am ready to embrace the challenge.”

Manchester City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain highlighted Khusanov’s immense potential: “We are delighted to welcome him to the team. Despite his young age, Abdukodir shows maturity, strength, aggression, and impressive speed. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, he will become even better. His determination and drive for development make this a very exciting signing.”

The club’s official website emphasized that Khusanov quickly became a key player for Lens, making 31 Ligue 1 appearances. Standing tall at over 1.8 meters and physically strong, he effectively handles duels against some of the best forwards in France. His game is characterized by excellent positional awareness, smart decision-making, and high technical skills, making him a perfect fit for Manchester City’s tactics, particularly in systems where defenders transition into midfield.

Khusanov’s performances for Lens earned him recognition from coaches and teammates alike. Lens head coach Will Still described him as “a calm, powerful, and fast player with impressive potential.” Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba, commenting on his gameplay, said, “He’s an absolute beast. What he’s achieving at his age is remarkable.”

In October 2024, Khusanov was named Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month, further cementing his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in European football.