Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — English Premier League club Manchester City is reportedly close to signing Abduqodir Khusanov, the 20-year-old defender from French side Lens, in a deal worth up to €50 million, including bonuses, according to Patrick Berger of Sky Germany.

The highly-rated Uzbek national team player is eager to join the English club, with the move expected to be finalized as City’s first major signing of the January 2025 transfer window.

Due to injuries to key defenders Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji, Pep Guardiola’s team is in urgent need of defensive reinforcements. Guardiola emphasized the importance of strengthening the squad, and Khusanov’s signing is seen as a potential solution to the club’s defensive woes.

Additionally, Manchester City’s next priority is reportedly Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush.

Khusanov joined Lens in 2023 from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU. Since then, he has made 31 appearances in Ligue 1 and earned 18 caps for Uzbekistan, quickly making a name for himself on the European stage.