Lens launched Raphaël Varane into the world of football, and now they’ve produced a new defensive marvel set to become the club’s most expensive sale in history. Manchester City has agreed to sign Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov in a deal that, with bonuses, could reach 50 million euros. It’s estimated that the fixed transfer fee will be around 40 million, and the player will sign a contract until June of 2030. The Uzbek center-back exploded onto the scene last September in the northern French club’s jersey, attracting the interest of European giants, including City. Newcastle, Tottenham, Leipzig, Leverkusen, and even Real Madrid showed interest, but City was the most persistent and decisive.Khusanov is a wall in defense 🇺🇿🧱 pic.twitter.com/3PsgHHm1Bi— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 10, 2025 Khusanov joined Lens a year and a half ago from Belarusian side Energetik as a complete unknown for just 100,000. After a period of adaptation, coach Will Still gradually gave him minutes last season, and Khusanov steadily proved himself. He made 11 appearances last season, but this year, he solidified his place in the starting lineup and delivered stellar performances. His speed and aggression in duels made him stand out, prompting City to begin serious negotiations with Lens a month ago.Salah’s successor coming to City?Pep Guardiola immediately approved the transfer, as his defensive options are currently far from ideal. Ruben Dias and John Stones are both injured, with Stones struggling with recurring fitness issues over the past 18 months. Nathan Aké and Manuel Akanji are also not fully fit and playing through pain, while Joško Gvardiol has been deployed more as a left-back, and Kyle Walker’s form has seen a significant decline. As a result, City decided to invest in young talent. Alongside Khusanov, the Citizens are also expected to finalize the 40 million transfer of Brazilian center-back Vitor Reis, who would join the team in in June.City in fear of another ‘Cole Palmer‘ scenarioManchester City is also working on signing Omar Marmoush, for whom Eintracht Frankfurt is demanding 80 million. It’s evident that a poor season has pushed Guardiola and City into a major team rebuild and rejuvenation. Frankfurt is well aware of the talent they have in their ranks and knows that Manchester City is generous with their spending when they truly want a player. This explains the high asking price, as they also want to cash in on everything Omar Marmoush has accomplished since arriving in Frankfurt nearly two years ago on a free transfer from Wolfsburg. City is reportedly prepared to offer between 50 million and 60 million, considering it a fair valuation. Official negotiations between the clubs have yet to begin, but another key factor will be whether Marmoush is interested in a move to the Premier League. At City, he would likely serve as a backup to Erling Haaland rather than a regular starter—unless Guardiola plans to pair them together, which would create a formidable attacking duo. The Egyptian forward has outgrown his current environment and is ready for bigger challenges. However, playing in England is not the same as in Germany. He wouldn’t have the same freedom on the pitch and would be more of a cog in the system rather than its centerpiece. The style of play wouldn’t revolve around him as much as it does in Frankfurt. Still, it’s not every day that Pep Guardiola comes calling. So far, he is waiting for the two clubs to agree a fee first.FA CUP ROUND 3 ThursdaySheffield Utd. – Cardiff 0-1 (0-1)/Ashford 19/Everton – Peterborough 2-0 (1-0)/Beto 42, Ndiaye 90+8 pen/Fulham – Watford 4-1 (1-1)/Muniz 26, Jimenez 49 pen, Andersen 65, Castagne 85 – Vata 33/FridayWycombe – Portsmouth 2-0 (2-0)/Hanlan 17, Bradley 27/Aston Villa – West Ham 2-1 (0-1)/Onana 71, Rogers 76 – Paqueta 9/Saturday15:00: (1.62) Birmingham (3.60) Lincoln City (5.40)15:00: (2.75) Bristol City (3.30) Wolverhampton (2.40)15:00: (1.90) Middlesbrou. (3.50) Blackburn (4.10)15:15: (1.05) Liverpool (14.0) Accrington (35.0)17:00: (1.65) Leicester (3.60) QPR (5.10)18:00: (1.53) Bournemouth (3.90) WBA (5.80)18:00: (1.20) Brentford (7.25) Plymouth (12.0)18:00: (1.03) Chelsea (13.0) Morecambe (30.0)18:00: (2.75) Exeter (3.30) Oxford (2.40)18:00: (5.20) Norwich (3.90) Brighton (1.58)18:00: (1.40) Nott.Forest (4.60) Luton (8.00)18:00: (2.05) Preston (3.25) Charlton (3.50)18:00: (6.50) Reading (4.10) Burnley (1.53)18:00: (1.58) Sunderland (3.70) Stoke (5.60)20:45: (1.07) Leeds (13.0) Harrogate T. (25.0)20:45: (1.05) Man.City (14.0) Salford City (35.0)21:00: (1.95) Coventry (3.45) Sheffield W. (3.60)21:00: (2.95) Leyton (3.15) Derby (2.35)21:00: (2.15) Mansfield (3.30) Wigan (3.20)Sunday15:00: (1.80) Hull (3.45) Doncaster (4.20)15:30: (12.0) Tamworth (7.25) Tottenham (1.20)18:00: (1.75) Arsenal (3.60) Man.Utd. (4.90)18:00: (1.30) Crystal Palace (5.30) Stockport (8.00)18:00: (1.25) Ipswich (6.50) Bristol Rovers (10.5)18:00: (1.15) Newcastle (8.00) Bromley (16.0)19:30: (1.80) Southampton (3.45) Swansea (4.20)Monday22:30: (1.33) Millwall (5.00) Dag & Red (7.75)***odds are subject to change***
