Report: Man City chase Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov

By SABC Sport
8th January 2025

Manchester City are reportedly targeting 20-year-old central defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who has impressed at Lens, as they look to bolster their backline.

The young talent is linked with a potential move to the Etihad Stadium, as City grapple with defensive frailties this season.

Despite winning six Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, four of which were achieved with the league's best defensive record, City have struggled defensively this campaign.

They sit with the joint-eighth best defence, conceding 27 goals in just 20 league matches.

Surprisingly, Everton, who are battling relegation, have a better defensive record.

This season's defensive woes have seen City concede more goals than they did during their triumphant campaigns in 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2021-22.

Key contributors to this decline include injuries to pivotal players like John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake, alongside inconsistent performances from senior defenders, including Kyle Walker.

Moreover, City's backline is ageing, with Walker, Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Ake all set to cross 30 by season's end.

The potential arrival of the Lens prodigy could inject youth and vitality into City's ageing defensive unit, as the club aim to reclaim its dominance at the back and contend for further silverware.