Manchester City’s plans for Abdukodir Khusanov revealed as immediate starting line-up spot played down

Abdukodir Khusanov may not become an immediate part of Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up plans at Manchester City should he join the club this month.

The ongoing belief is that the Premier League champions will reach a firm agreement with Ligue 1 side Lens in the coming days after identifying their 20-year-old central defender as a primary defensive target this month.

Much of Manchester City’s difficulties in terms of performances on the field so far this season have largely stemmed from a lack of key personnel in their rearguard, having battled with none of their mainstay central defenders due to fitness and injury problems at one stage.

Those issues have coincided with a number of factors that have led City to sanction significant investment this month, including the expanded fixture list this campaign and the feeling that 2025 represents the necessity for somewhat of a squad rebuild.

But with Ruben Dias appearing to be close to a return to full first-team action, and Pep Guardiola heavily depending on Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji in recent matches, some have been left wondering where Abdukodir Khusanov could fit into City’s immediate plans.

As reported by The Independent’s Richard Jolly, the 20-year-old centre-back is viewed by Manchester City as a ‘potential signing for the future’, as opposed to a talent likely to break into Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up now.

The same stance will likely be taken on Palmeiras’ 18-year-old defender Vitor Reis, who is another primary transfer target for Manchester City this month and a player they have a firm intention of bringing into their squad.

The Brazilian youth international could command a transfer fee well in excess of €40 million and that has not deterred the Premier League champions either, who are in discussions over when they could welcome the centre-back to the Etihad Stadium.

Palmeiras have always maintained a firm intention to keep the majority of their squad, including Vitor Reis, together for the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer, however City have no intention of waiting and believe the player is ready for first-team football immediately.

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