Key Points:
- Man City agree €40m (£33.6m) transfer for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.
- Khusanov, a 20-year-old Uzbekistan international, had drawn interest from Newcastle and Tottenham.
- City are also nearing a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush as Julian Alvarez’s replacement.
Manchester City have reportedly finalized a €40m (£33.6m) deal to sign Abdukodir Khusanov from Ligue 1 side Lens. The move represents a significant step in Pep Guardiola’s plans to bolster his squad during the January transfer window.
Khusanov, a 20-year-old Uzbekistan international, joined Lens just 18 months ago for a modest €100,000 (£84,000) from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU Minsk. Despite a slow integration into Lens’ first team last season, the 6’1 centre-back has become a key figure in manager Will Still’s defensive setup.
Khusanov has been on the radar of Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but City have secured his signature with a four-and-a-half-year contract, according to The Athletic.
City Close in on Omar Marmoush
In addition to Khusanov, Manchester City are close to finalizing a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, according to Fabrizio Romano. Initially, negotiations appeared to have stalled due to Frankfurt’s steep €80m (£67m) asking price, but City are now “progressing fast” after agreeing personal terms with the 24-year-old forward.
Marmoush has enjoyed a stellar Bundesliga campaign, scoring 13 goals in his first 15 matches — a tally only surpassed by Harry Kane this season. Guardiola reportedly views Marmoush as the “perfect replacement” for Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid over the summer in an £81.5m deal.
City’s attack has been overly reliant on Erling Haaland, who leads the Premier League with 16 goals. However, the lack of contributions from other players has been glaring, with left-back Josko Gvardiol as the second-highest scorer (four goals) and midfielder Mateo Kovacic netting just three.
Additional Moves in the Pipeline
Manchester City are also in advanced talks with Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis, as Guardiola looks to address his team’s defensive frailties. The reigning Premier League champions are currently sixth in the table and aiming to use the January transfer window to salvage their season.
An official announcement regarding Marmoush is expected next week, with Khusanov’s transfer potentially being confirmed in the coming days.
