Manchester City
Manchester City Secure €40M Signing of Lens Defender Abdukodir Khusanov

Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov has officially signed with Manchester City in a deal worth €40 million (£33.8m), with additional performance-based bonuses. The 20-year-old defender joins from Ligue 1 side RC Lens on a four-and-a-half-year contract, becoming the first player from Uzbekistan to join a Premier League club.
Khusanov, who will don the number 45 jersey at City, expressed his excitement about the move. “Joining Manchester City is a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve admired this club for years and am thrilled to now be a part of it. The squad is packed with world-class players, and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and compete alongside them.
“Pep Guardiola is a legendary coach, and the opportunity to work under his guidance is incredible. I’m looking forward to improving my game and taking on this new challenge. This is a proud moment for me and my family.”
City’s Vision for Khusanov
Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, praised the signing, emphasizing Khusanov’s potential. “We’re delighted to welcome Abdukodir to Manchester City. At just 20 years old, he already shows remarkable intelligence on the pitch, combined with strength, aggression, and exceptional pace,” he said.
“Under Pep’s leadership, we’re confident he will develop into an even better player. His determination to improve is clear, and we’re excited to see him grow as part of our squad. This signing aligns with our commitment to maintaining one of Europe’s top teams.”
A Promising Career Path
Khusanov’s journey to the Premier League began with Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, where he launched his professional career. His performances earned him a move to Ligue 1 in 2023, where he featured in 31 matches for RC Lens.
The young defender has also represented Uzbekistan on the international stage, earning 18 caps for his country. His deal with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2029, marking the next chapter in his promising career.
Manchester City
Man City’s Strategy for Nico Gonzalez and New Signings Before Real Madrid Clash

Manchester City supporters may witness the club’s latest signings in action at Brisbane Road on Saturday, as Pep Guardiola looks to integrate Nico Gonzalez into the squad to strengthen the defensive midfield.
Guardiola’s Plans for Nico Gonzalez
Pep Guardiola is counting on new arrival Nico Gonzalez to fill the void left by Rodri in the Manchester City midfield. The 23-year-old, signed from Porto for £50 million on transfer deadline day, was the only midfield addition. While City did not want to acquire a mere backup for Rodri, Guardiola is preparing for the possibility that the Spaniard may not return this season.
Guardiola highlighted Gonzalez’s versatility, explaining that he can play in multiple positions but will primarily be deployed in the No.6 role. While the club aims to ease the pressure on Gonzalez, he will be tasked with stabilizing a midfield that has struggled to maintain control in recent matches.
“At the moment, yes,” Guardiola stated. “I didn’t bring him in to play further up the field, as we already have several options in attack. While he can operate in various roles, his primary duty will be to shield the defense.
“I believe he is ready, but we will assess him over the coming days in training. His initial impact has been positive, but I won’t put excessive pressure on him to resolve all our issues immediately. He is here to help us become more stable.”
Possible Debut in FA Cup Clash
Gonzalez could make his first start on Saturday against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round. The match serves as City’s final fixture before their crucial showdown with Real Madrid, and Guardiola is hopeful of having more players available by then.
In addition to Gonzalez, three other new signings are expected to be involved, alongside returning players Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku, and Ederson, all of whom are nearing full fitness. Guardiola hinted that fresh faces could be featured at the Gaughan Group Stadium, though one of Abdukodir Khusanov or Vitor Reis may have to settle for a bench role as the coach looks to avoid a major upset.
“We will see. I have an idea for the lineup,” Guardiola said. “I have one or two uncertainties, but that is normal. Playing two new players simultaneously might be risky against a team performing well lately.
“It would be great to have our injured players back, but if they’re not fully fit and we push them too soon, we risk further setbacks. We are consulting with the medical team to determine the safest approach. Some recoveries are straightforward, while others are more complex.”
Manchester City
Manchester City Bolsters Midfield with Nico Gonzalez, Pushing Spending Beyond $200M

Manchester City has made another significant move in the January transfer window, surpassing the $200 million spending mark with the acquisition of midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Porto. This signing aims to compensate for the absence of Rodri, who has been sidelined with a long-term injury.
Strengthening the Midfield
Gonzalez, City’s fifth addition of the window, could prove to be the most crucial, as the club has struggled for energy and stability in midfield following Rodri’s knee injury in September. The 23-year-old, son of former Deportivo La Coruna player Fran Gonzalez, was a Barcelona academy graduate before moving to Porto in 2023 for a reported €8.5 million ($8.7 million).
City triggered Gonzalez’s €60 million ($61.8 million) release clause to secure his services, marking a huge profit for Porto. Barcelona is set to receive 40% of the transfer fee as part of a prior agreement.
A Busy Transfer Window
Manchester City has taken an unusual approach this January, spending heavily to address a faltering campaign. The club recently suffered a demoralizing 5-1 loss to Arsenal, highlighting the need for reinforcements.
The window began with the signings of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens and Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for a combined $77 million. This was followed by Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for $73 million. Additionally, City signed 18-year-old left-back Christian McFarlane from sister club New York City FC and registered teenage center-back Juma Bah before loaning him to Lens.
Injury Crisis and Form Struggles
City’s squad has been plagued by injuries. Rodri’s absence has been a significant blow, while the team’s four primary center-backs—Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji—have all dealt with fitness issues, leaving the team vulnerable.
These setbacks have contributed to City’s slump in form. The club is now effectively out of the Premier League title race and only secured Champions League playoff qualification after a dramatic comeback win against Club Brugge.
Manager Pep Guardiola initially had no plans to enter the January market but was forced to act due to mounting injuries and declining performances.
Pressure on Gonzalez
Gonzalez faces high expectations as he steps into the defensive midfield role—a position that has proven challenging under Guardiola. Even Rodri, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, took time to adapt to Guardiola’s tactical demands.
Meanwhile, speculation looms over City’s future, with a highly anticipated legal ruling in English football set to impact the club. Potential consequences include expulsion from the Premier League or restrictions on future spending. This uncertainty may have influenced City’s decision to accelerate its recruitment strategy, securing young talent before any possible sanctions take effect.
Big-Spending January Windows
City’s spending spree is the second-largest ever in a January window, trailing only Chelsea’s unprecedented $350 million splurge in 2023. Chelsea’s acquisitions included Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Benoît Badiashile.
The impact of City’s new signings has been mixed so far. Khusanov endured a rough start, making an error that led to a goal just minutes into his debut against Chelsea, though he steadied himself in a 3-1 victory. Reis and McFarlane are yet to feature, while Marmoush impressed against Chelsea and showed promise versus Arsenal before City suffered another second-half collapse.
With the January window now closed, City will be hoping these additions help turn their season around and provide stability amid ongoing challenges.
Manchester City
Kyle Walker Reflects on ‘Tough’ Guardiola Talks and His Move to AC Milan

Kyle Walker has opened up about the challenging conversation he had with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before finalizing his loan switch to AC Milan.
Earlier this month, Guardiola confirmed that Walker had expressed his desire to leave the club and pursue a new opportunity abroad, marking the end of a turbulent period for the England defender.
The 34-year-old had faced criticism for his performances during a difficult first half of the season, prompting him to seek a fresh start. Milan secured Walker on a loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer for €5 million (£4.2 million).
With the move, it seems increasingly likely that Walker has played his last game for City, where he made 319 appearances and collected a glittering array of trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Walker reflected on his departure and the difficult conversation he had with Guardiola.
“When I sat down with Pep, it wasn’t the easiest discussion – mainly because of the respect we have for one another,” Walker admitted. “What he’s achieved at City, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of. I’d like to think he recognizes the value I brought, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room, too.”
Walker expressed gratitude for his time at Manchester City, calling it his “family” and praising the bond he shared with everyone, from staff to teammates. However, the lack of game time made his decision to leave unavoidable.
“I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted, and things just weren’t clicking,” Walker said. “I’ve always been someone who wants to contribute fully, and it felt like the right time for a new challenge. Hopefully, I can get back to playing regularly here.”
The defender revealed that a “gut feeling” convinced him to join the Rossoneri, especially given their stature as five-time European champions.
“I could’ve stayed at City and honored my contract if they hadn’t agreed to let me go – that’s just who I am,” Walker explained. “But sometimes, you need to trust your instincts. I’ve spoken to so many players who regret never moving abroad, and I didn’t want to be one of them.
“If it wasn’t a club like Milan, I wouldn’t have left City. But there are certain opportunities you just can’t turn down.”
Now part of a growing English contingent at Milan, Walker joins fellow countrymen Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tammy Abraham.
Though he won’t be eligible to feature in Milan’s midweek Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, Walker is expected to make his debut in Sunday’s heated derby against Inter Milan.
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