The club's head coach, Pep Guardiola, has approved the transfer and is eager to see the 20-year-old Uzbek player join his squad. Negotiations are in their final stages, with Khusanov having already agreed to personal terms.

Insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City initiated discussions to acquire Khusanov in December 2024. Representatives from the Manchester club traveled to Lens to negotiate the deal.

"Pep Guardiola has requested Khusanov’s immediate signing. The transfer has the green light. Here we go — it’s almost done," Romano wrote.

Rising star

Khusanov first gained international recognition in 2022 and 2023 while playing for Belarusian club Energetik-BGU. During this period, he was listed among the world’s most promising young players by the CIES Football Observatory. Following this success, he was transferred to France’s then-vice champions for €100,000.

In his first season with Lens, Khusanov primarily focused on adapting to his new environment, featuring in 11 matches in Ligue 1, two in the Champions League, and two in the Europa League. Simultaneously, he earned a spot on Uzbekistan’s national team, where he has since made 18 appearances.

This season, Khusanov has elevated his game significantly. In October, he was named Ligue 1’s Player of the Month and attracted attention from top European clubs, including PSG, Manchester City, Newcastle, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid.

The defender has played 13 Ligue 1 matches this season, recording one assist. His contract with Lens runs until the summer of 2027, and Transfermarkt estimates his market value at €12 million.

Record-breaking deal

Reports suggest that Manchester City is prepared to pay up to €50 million, including bonuses, for the promising young defender.