Abdukodir Khusanov’s remarkable journey has reached its pinnacle with a move to Manchester City, as confirmed by multiple reports.
The 20-year-old Uzbek midfielder, who currently plays for French club RC Lens, has agreed to terms on a deal worth €40 million, with additional add-ons. The contract will run until June 2029, with an option for an additional year.
Khusanov began his career at FC Bunyodkor in the Uzbek Premier League before moving to Energetik-BGU in Belarus. After a successful stint in the Belarusian First League, he made the move to RC Lens in France, and now, just two and a half years later, he’s set to join Manchester City.
A medical is expected in the coming days as the final steps of the transfer are completed. This move highlights the increasing importance of lesser-represented nations in world football, with Khusanov’s unorthodox path serving as a testament to the talent emerging from all corners of the globe.
With Khusanov’s deal ready to go through, Uzbekistan will become the 129th nation with a player listed in a Premier League team squad. Over the years, 119 different nationalities were represented by players across the league.
The stage is set for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia, with 16 teams vying for glory and World Cup berths.