Bayer Leverkusen transfer interest emerges in newly-signed Manchester City player | OneFootball

Manchester City not only fended off competition from within the Premier League for Abdukodir Khusanov, but also from one of Germany’s leading clubs.

The Premier League champions completed a deal for the 20-year-old defender in swift fashion earlier this month, not only making him the first Uzbekistan international to feature in the English top-flight, but also the first of Manchester City’s January signings.

Khusanov had excelled in French football since making a relatively low profile switch to RC Lens in Ligue 1 from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU, representing a huge profit for his now former club who sold him on to the Etihad Stadium for around €40 million.

Khusanov was followed through the entrance doors of Manchester City’s training facility by fellow defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras less than 24 hours later, although matters could have been very different.

Follow-up reports in light of Abdukodir Khusanov’s arrival at the Premier League champions, in addition to comments from the player’s agent, have showcased some of the stern competition that City had to beat away in order to get their man.

According to a new report from German outlet Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen found themselves in ‘promising negotiations’ with RC Lens for Abdukodir Khusanov at one stage, going as far as to offer €20 million for the Uzbek defender.

The Bundesliga giants where by no-means alone in their interest in Khusanov either with Manchester City, with the likes of Tottenham and Real Madrid identified as potential suitors throughout January.

The defender’s agent has also since revealed that Premier League rivals Newcastle United were intense in their pursuit of the player, but were ultimately held back by the financials being put forward by Manchester City in talks with Lens.

Manchester United have also previously held an interest in the young defender, with one scout ultimately rejected by former manager Erik ten Hag when the talents of Khusanov were brought to the attentions of the Old Trafford boss in recent seasons.