Manchester City have officially completed the signing of Uzbekistan international defender Husanov from French club Lens, with the approval of manager Pep Guardiola.
The 21-year-old center-back has been on the radar of several top European clubs after impressing with his performances for Lens in Ligue 1. However, it was Manchester City who ultimately secured his signature, with Guardiola personally giving the green light for the deal to go through.
Husanov, who is known for his physicality, aerial prowess and strong tackling abilities, is seen as a valuable addition to Manchester City’s defensive options. With the departure of club legend Vincent Kompany and the injury struggles of Aymeric Laporte, Guardiola has been on the lookout for a reliable center-back to strengthen his backline.
The young Uzbek defender caught the eye of Guardiola during Lens’ game against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last season. Despite being on the losing side, Husanov’s commanding presence and composure on the ball impressed the Spanish manager, who immediately instructed his scouts to keep a close eye on the player.
After a series of negotiations, Manchester City have finally secured the services of Husanov for a reported fee of £20 million. The deal was finalized just before the transfer deadline, much to the delight of Guardiola and the Manchester City fans.
In an official statement, Guardiola expressed his excitement about the signing, saying: «Husanov is a talented young defender with a lot of potential. We have been monitoring him for a while now and we believe he has all the qualities to succeed at Manchester City.»
Husanov, who has been capped 15 times for Uzbekistan, also shared his excitement about joining the Premier League champions, saying: «I am thrilled to be joining Manchester City and playing under a manager like Pep Guardiola. It’s a dream come true for me and I can’t wait to get started.»
The young defender also thanked his former club Lens for their support and guidance, saying: «I am grateful to Lens for giving me the opportunity to play at the highest level and for helping me develop as a player. I will always be grateful to them for their support.»
Husanov’s arrival at Manchester City has been met with a positive response from the club’s fans, who have been eagerly anticipating a new signing in the defensive department. With his physicality and strong defensive abilities, the young Uzbek is expected to provide much-needed depth and competition in the squad.
This transfer also highlights Manchester City’s commitment to investing in young talent and building for the future. With the likes of Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus already making a mark in the first team, Husanov is another promising addition to the club’s young and talented squad.
As for Lens, they will be disappointed to lose one of their key players, but the significant transfer fee will provide them with the necessary funds to strengthen their squad in other areas. The French club will also take pride in the fact that they have produced yet another top-quality player who has caught the attention of one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s signing of Husanov is a testament to the club’s ambition and their determination to strengthen their squad. With the approval of Guardiola himself, the young defender is expected to make a positive impact at the club and establish himself as a key player in the coming years. Manchester City fans will be eagerly waiting to see their new signing in action and hoping that he can help the club achieve even more success in the future.
