Man City expect to complete £33m signing of wonderkid centre-back this week… and he could be the first of many as Pep Guardiola looks to revive champions’ faltering season
- Abdukodir Khusanov missed Sunday’s victory in Le Havre during negotiations
- The 20-year-old defender must undergo a medical examination and obtain a work permit
- Listen to It all starts! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester City are expected to complete the signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov for £33m this week as Pep Guardiola strengthens his backline.
Khusanov, the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international, missed Sunday’s win at Le Havre as City were finalizing the transfer.
The centre-back, who has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, must undergo a medical and obtain a work permit before being officially confirmed as Guardiola’s first new signing in a busy January window.
Mail Sport reported last month that the Premier League champions were hoping to bring in three or four new recruits across all levels of a squad struggling with an ongoing injury crisis.
Although he only moved to Lens from Energetik-BGU in Belarus for less than £100,000 last year, Khusanov is seen as someone who can step up and impact City’s season.
City continue negotiations with Palmeiras for teenage centre-back Vitor Reis, while also holding positive talks with Frankfurt over a move for striker Omar Marmoush.
Man City are expected to complete the signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov this week
The Uzbek international (pictured in December) missed Sunday’s victory in Le Havre
Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen Manchester City’s backline after a torrid start to the season
Mail Sport revealed last month that Marmoush had emerged as a target in forward areas and that the 25-year-old can operate anywhere in the front three or as a foil for top scorer Erling Haaland.
Frankfurt, nine points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, would need around £67 million to let the Egyptian leave mid-season.
Meanwhile, Real Valladolid’s Jumah Bah remains a deal City are working on and captain Kyle Walker is set to leave – with AC Milan favorites landing the right-back after AC adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic sparked interest last week.