From rejection in Uzbekistan’s reserve league to Manchester City: Who is Abdukodir Khusanov

Football news 22 jan 2025, 07:59
Luis Torres Luis Torres Dailysports's expert
From rejection in Uzbekistan’s reserve league to Manchester City: Who is Abdukodir Khusanov x.com/ManCity

Manchester City has surprised many with its transfer market activity this winter. The club has already signed two new central defenders, one of whom is the little-known Abdukodir Khusanov. Manchester City paid Lens €40 million for his transfer.

Dailysports delves deeper into who Abdukodir Khusanov is.

Khusanov’s incredible career path

It’s hard to believe, but just three years ago, Khusanov was deemed unnecessary for his hometown club, Bunyodkor. The club, one of the giants of the Uzbek Super League, decided that Khusanov was physically inadequate even for the reserve team.

The turning point in Khusanov’s career came with an invitation from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU. Abdukodir always dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and playing at the senior level, so he accepted the offer from the modest club, even by local standards.

This decision meant Khusanov had to spend an entire year without match practice, as Belarusian regulations prevent foreign players from signing professional contracts until they turn 18. He only debuted at the age of 18.

How did he end up at Lens? Was he being scouted in Belarus?

Baptiste Favier, the head of scouting at Lens, is someone Khusanov will likely owe his career to for life. Favier attended the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Lens had previously scouted talents who became key players for the first team.

Uzbekistan made it to the tournament’s Round of 16, but Favier noticed Khusanov during the group stage opener against Argentina. Although Uzbekistan lost 1-2, Favier was impressed by Khusanov’s aggressive and athletic style, which stood out even against a technically superior opponent.

Favier continued monitoring Khusanov and strongly recommended that Lens acquire him. The transfer fee was laughable by modern football standards—€450,000.

Eighteen months after signing, Lens sold Khusanov to Manchester City for €40 million. An ideal profit.

The match that brought Khusanov to top clubs’ attention

Paradoxically, Khusanov first caught the attention of elite clubs during a game Lens lost 0-6. This happened during an away Champions League match against Arsenal. However, Khusanov cannot be blamed for the defeat.

The Uzbek defender came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute when Lens was already trailing 0-5. Yet, even with just 30 minutes of play, Khusanov demonstrated his exceptional talent.

He marked Gabriel Martinelli effectively, made several quality interceptions, and distributed the ball calmly to teammates. In fact, he was Lens’ best player that day.

A brilliant half-season at Lens

Khusanov had limited playing time last season, featuring in only 11 Ligue 1 matches and making two Champions League appearances. He was adapting, as it’s nearly impossible to immediately become a regular starter at this level after playing in the Belarusian league.

This season, however, Khusanov started as a first-choice defender for Lens. For several seasons, Lens relied on a defensive trio of Gradit, Danso, and Medina, but the Uzbek talent managed to disrupt that hierarchy. In the first half of the Ligue 1 season, Khusanov did not make a single critical error leading to a goal.

Khusanov’s strengths include intercepting passes, winning physical battles, and his remarkable speed, which allows him to recover and make aggressive tackles even after mistakes.

By October, Khusanov was being hailed as one of the Ligue 1 season’s standout discoveries. The 20-year-old excelled against France’s top teams and even scored his first goal for Lens in a French Cup match against PSG. Incidentally, PSG was Manchester City’s main competitor in the race for Khusanov.

First Uzbek player in Premier League history

Khusanov is the first Uzbek player to ever feature in the Premier League. Previously, Eldor Shomurodov, now a backup forward for Roma, was the only Uzbek player to make it to Europe’s top leagues. In Uzbekistan, Khusanov has already become a national hero.

Thomas Bullock, an analyst of Central and South Asian players for the legendary Football Manager simulator, described Khusanov as follows:

"He’s a powerful defender with excellent interceptions, aerial ability, and an aggressive style. He’s reliable on the ball, but his standout quality is his speed, which allows him to recover quickly and chase down fast attackers.

Khusanov loves pressing midfielders and plays with an aggressive mindset. A great talent."

A footballing dynasty

Khusanov’s early start in football at age seven wasn’t a coincidence. His father, Hikmat Khoshimov, is a former footballer who earned 12 caps for the Uzbekistan national team. Unlike his son, Khoshimov played as a full-back or midfielder.

Khusanov’s younger brother is also pursuing football. Last summer, he joined Lens’ academy as a forward. However, it’s too early to assess the potential of the 10-year-old.

Khusanov’s prospects at Manchester City

It’s unrealistic to expect the Uzbek defender to solve Manchester City’s defensive issues immediately. This is a classic long-term transfer.

Will Still’s system at Lens isn’t overly simple, but Pep Guardiola’s tactical demands are on an entirely different level. Without a strong footballing education, Khusanov will face significant challenges in the beginning.

Additionally, at Lens, Khusanov played exclusively in a three-center-back system, which differs significantly from Manchester City’s defensive model.

However, Guardiola values Khusanov’s physical attributes. City’s high defensive line could benefit greatly from his athleticism and speed. The Spanish coach will need patience as Khusanov adapts tactically.

This season, Khusanov is likely to get minutes in the FA Cup and as a substitute in Premier League and Champions League matches. Regular playing time will likely come next summer, provided he continues to progress.

City has acquired an unpolished gem with the potential to shine brightly under the right guidance.

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