Manchester City agree deal to sign Uzbek defender for €40m fixed fee: Reports
Manchester City have reached an agreement with RC Lens for the transfer of Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov, as per journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Cityzens have finalized an agreement with the Ligue 1 club to make the 20-year-old their first signing this month.
Pep Guardiola's side have agreed to pay a fixed fee of €40 million for Khusanov, with add-ons to be included in the deal as well. The Uzbek centre-back will sign a deal until 2029 with an option for a further year at the Etihad Stadium. The young defender will undergo his medical tests in the coming days before teaming up with his new club.
Manchester City found themselves in urgent need of defensive cover following injuries to Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones, their right-sided centre-backs. As a result of injuries in his backline, Pep Guardiola has been forced to play academy graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a number of occasions this season.
Khusanov has emerged as one of the leading defensive talents in the French top-flight, having moved there in July 2023 from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU for €100,000. The youngster will become the first player from Uzbekistan to feature in the Premier League when he completes his transfer to the Cityzens. He is also the first Uzbek player to have played in Ligue 1.
Manchester City are still active in the transfer market this month, with deals for both Vitor Reis and Omar Marmoush on their to-do list. The Cityzens appear set to make use of the transfer market to correct their disappointing first half of the season.
Manchester City to begin negotiations for Palmeiras youngster - Reports
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to commence direct talks with Brazilian giants Palmeiras over the transfer of teenage sensation Vitor Reis. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Premier League giants are keen to land the 18-year-old centre-back in addition to their deal for Abdukodir Khusanov.
Manchester City have reached an agreement with Reis on personal terms and are prepared to make an offer to Palmeiras for his signature. They are willing to let the youngster remain on loan at the Brazilian club until after the FIFA Club World Cup in July.
Palmeiras turned down offers worth around £25 million from Brighton & Hove Albion for Vitor Reis this month after he emerged as a top talent in the Brasileirao in 2024. The Brazilian club may sanction an exit for the youngster, as they have for Estevao Willian to Chelsea.
