Man Metropolis full €40m centre-back signing

Manchester Metropolis have confirmed the signing of centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens, making the 20-year-old their first new arrival of the January switch window.

Khusanov, who stands to change into the primary participant from Uzbekistan to make a Premier League look, is reported to have value within the area of €40m (£33.6m). An extended-term contract guarantees to maintain him on the Etihad Stadium till no less than the summer time of 2029.

“I am completely delighted to be becoming a member of Manchester Metropolis, a membership that I’ve loved watching for a very long time,” Khusanov advised the his new facet’s official web site.

“This squad is stuffed with the very best gamers on the earth, and I can not wait to fulfill them and play alongside them. And naturally Pep Guardiola is likely one of the biggest coaches ever and I’m so excited to be taught from him and enhance my recreation much more.

“It is a very proud second for me and my household to be becoming a member of an incredible membership like Manchester Metropolis and I am greater than prepared for this problem.”

Metropolis sporting director Txiki Begiristain highlighted Khusanov’s intelligence for a participant with comparatively little senior expertise, as properly energy, aggression and velocity as key attributes.

“Working with Pep will solely make him higher and, chatting with him, he’s decided to maintain bettering,” the Spaniard, who might be changed by Hugo Viana in summer time, added.

Khusanov has opted to put on Metropolis’s quantity 45 shirt, made well-known by former striker Mario Balotelli and as soon as additionally beforehand occupied by Micah Richards. He had worn 25 on his again at Lens, however 45 was his jersey at first membership Energetik-BGU, from Minsk in Belarus.