The first deal of the January transfer window for Manchester City is complete | OneFootball

The January transfer window has finally clicked into gear for Manchester City. It appears that the Premier League champions have completed their first signing for the month. Multiple reports have emerged that City have completed a deal for Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov. His signing has the potential to be the first of many for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Fabrizio Romano has reported via X that Manchester City have completed a deal to sign Abdukodir Khusanov. Romano reports that the transfer fee to sign Khusanov from Lens will cost City €40 million plus add-ons. Furthermore, Romano adds that a medical for Khusanov is scheduled to take place over the coming days. Lastly, Romano reports that Khusanov will sign a contract with Manchester City until 2029 with an option until 2030.

Simon Jones has reported for the Daily Mail that Manchester City have finalised a deal with Lens to sign Abdukodir Khusanov. Furthermore, Jones reports that Khusanov will become the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the Premier League when his move to Manchester City is completed. Jones backs up Romano’s report that Khusanov will sign a four-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City with the option of a fifth year included in the deal.

Manchester City have immediately strengthened their defensive stocks with the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov.

There were several areas of Pep Guardiola’s squad that Manchester City needed to address in the January transfer window. One of those was City’s defence. Injuries and the loss of form of several players have decimated City’s defence at times this season. The signing of Abdukodir Khusanov immediately addresses this concern for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The young defender has impressed for Lens this season. His strength in a challenge, ability in possession and energy will add something that has been lacking to City’s defensive stocks. Khusanov also has pace and that is something that Manchester City’s defence has lacked this season. At times, City has looked old and slow at the back, and the signing of Khusanov does address this issue.

As we have seen this season, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake have all battled injuries. That has put a strain on the fit players for Pep Guardiola’s side. The signing of Abdukodir Khusanov does add another defender who can play a role for Pep Guardiola. While Khusanov is only 20 he has shown for Lens that he is ready to play at a high level. It may take time for him to adjust to his new surroundings but he should be ready to contribute straight away for Manchester City.

Manchester City can now move onto other transfer targets now that they have finalised a deal for Abdukodir Khusanov. It promises to be a busy January transfer window but now it seems it is a case of one player, and several more to go for City as they look to strengthen their squad for now and for the future.