Man City news: Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov joins the Citizens
Manchester City have completed the signing of Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov from French side Racing Club de Lens.
The 20-year-old signs on a four-and-a-half-year deal, with club sources indicating the fee paid for the defender is around €40million plus add-ons.
Starting his senior career in Belarus, Lens paid only €100,000 for Khusanov from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU 18 months ago.
Since making his debut against Metz, the centre-back has made 31 appearances in all competitions, and he contributed with an assist in the club’s Coupe de France defeat on penalties against French giants PSG.
As well as making a name for himself at club level, Khusanov has become a regular for his country, with 18 caps for Uzbekistan, and he will become the first player from the country to play in the Premier League.
Champagne ‘Khusanov’a flowing at Man City
Speaking on his arrival in England on Man City’s website, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time.
“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.
“And of course, Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.”
Man City face a trip to Paris on Wednesday to face PSG in the Champions League before returning to the Etihad Stadium to take on Chelsea in the Premier League this Saturday.
Khusanov is set to wear the number 45 shirt, once worn by former Italian striker Mario Balotelli.
Let’s hope that, for Guardiola’s sake, he doesn’t let off any fireworks and instead turns up with some explosive performances on the pitch.
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