In the closing days of the transfer window, Manchester City supporters finally received an answer to the key question—would the first Uzbek in Premier League history stay with the club? The board and Pep Guardiola made it crystal clear: the 21 -year-old centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov will remain with the Citizens and become an essential part of their revamped defensive line.
Guardiola Bets on Youth
The Catalan coach has repeatedly stressed his preference for a compact squad and wide-ranging rotation. Khusanov fits that approach perfectly: he is tall (188 cm), quick, composed under pressure, and already adept at playing the “first pass”—a key element in City’s positional attacks. The coaching staff believe the Uzbek defender can be the long-term successor to the seasoned Stones–Dias partnership and ease the load of a gruelling fixture list.
Path to the First Team: Debut, Early Errors and a Goal
After joining from French side Lens last winter for €40 million, Khusanov adapted quickly to life in Manchester. In January he earned his first Premier League minutes against Chelsea, though he was remembered for a nervous misplaced pass that led to a Noni Madueke goal. Just two weeks later, he made amends: in the FA Cup fourth round versus Leyton Orient he smashed in the winner from a Rico Lewis cross, prompting the Etihad to chant his name for the first time.
Competition in City’s Back Line
Nathan Aké and South Korean international Kim Min-jae also vie for the left-sided centre-back spot, but they too must reckon with the 21 -year-old talent. City deliberately refused to loan the Uzbek out; the club expects that a 50-match season with an expanded Champions League will offer enough minutes for every defender. For Khusanov, each game is invaluable experience, and for Guardiola, it is a chance to experiment with a back three and inverted full-backs.
What to Expect in the 2025/26 Campaign
According to City’s internal analytics, Khusanov finished last season with 93 % passing accuracy and 62 % of aerial duels won. Adding the team’s high-pressing tactics, the young defender can deputise for Rodri in building attacks from deep and join the fray on set pieces. If he maintains his focus and continues to progress, that much-awaited bastion on the left side of central defence could become reality as early as this autumn.
For the Uzbek footballer, the coming season will be a test of maturity; for Manchester City, it is a chance to see whether investments in talent from new footballing regions are paying off. All that remains for the fans is to wait for the opening match and count the seconds until Abdukodir Khusanov steps onto the pitch amid the Sky-Blue roar of the Etihad stands.
