Manchester City close in on £42 million deal for Lens and Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov | OneFootball

Premier League champions Manchester City are now closing in on the signing of Lens and Uzbekistan international centre-back, Abdukodir Khusanov.

The significant development in conversations between the two clubs comes just hours after the head coach at the French club shone light on the reason behind Khusanov’s absence from first-team training on Friday morning.

Will Still told a press conference ahead of Lens’ away trip to face Le Havre on Sunday afternoon, “He (Abdukodir Khusanov) is sick. He was in the gym today with the others.”

However, Still is under no illusion regarding the situation surrounding the defender, as he explained, “We’re not going to lie to each other. We know there are negotiations in progress, things are moving. We’re not fooled.

“For the moment, he’s still here and if things were to move, you’ll probably know before me. He went home because he’s really sick… If he’s available, he’ll be in the squad (against Le Havre on Sunday).”

And should Abdukodir Khusanov appear for Lens at the weekend, it may be his final appearance for the French side as developments between the club and Manchester City over the player’s future appear to be moving at some pace.

That is according to the information of The Times’ Paul Hirst and Peter Rutzler, who report that Manchester City are now closing in on the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov from Ligue 1 side Lens for a transfer fee that could rise to £42 million.

It is explained that talks between the two clubs are now at ‘an advanced stage’ with all parties close to sealing a deal that would involve the Premier League champions paying a down payment for the 20-year-old defender and further performance-related add-ons.

When all add-ons are triggered, Lens will be set to receive approximately £42 million, making Khusanov the transfer the biggest sale in the French club’s history after RB Leipzig’s £41 million deal for Loïs Openda in 2023.

It is widely believed that Khusanov will come straight into the first-team picture for Pep Guardiola’s side, and while he will be expected to compete with existing options in the squad, opportunities are likely to be presented immediately given the relentless fixture list at hand.

Manchester City have been hampered by fitness and injury problems throughout the season and defensive recruitment has been deemed a necessity, particularly when reflecting on moments where Pep Guardiola has had no senior central defenders fit and at his disposal.

For now, it remains to be seen when Abdukodir Khusanov could be handed a chance to make his Manchester City debut, with Premier League away visits to Ipswich Town and Brentford on the horizon, as well as a trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.