Who is Abdukodir Khusanov and should he join Manchester City ignoring Real Madrid's interest?

It is not often that Uzbekistan features prominently in footballing discourse. The Central Asian country is currently ranked 58th globally and is not generally home to world-class football talent. However, one 20-year-old is preparing to proudly carry the Uzbek flag into the upper echelons of elite football.

In the words of Uzbek journalist Narzulla Saydullaev: “In Uzbekistan, they say that being hit by a train or by Abdukodir is the same thing.” But, brute strength is not all Abdukodir Khusanov brings to the pitch. 

Who is Abdukodir Khusanov?

His speed caused much excitement after a remarkable recovery sprint in late 2024—he is widely reported to have hit a top speed of 37kmph during that effort. If the figure is correct, this would make him one of the fastest footballers in the world. Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven—considered the fastest player in the world at present—had hit 37.38kmph in early 2024. It remains to be seen whether the 6’1” Uzbek can produce such sprints as regularly as van de Ven, but he definitely has it in his locker.

ALSO READ | 5 players Ruben Amorim's Manchester United should sell in January transfer window

Apart from his strength and speed, the Lens defender’s biggest asset is his tenacity. Encounters with him are known to have left opponents in the French league shaken. If he faces a scenario in which he is not able to physically dominate an opponent, his defensive intelligence, especially his ability to jockey (delay attacks by placing himself between attackers and target space) could be handy. He also has sufficient quality on the ball to help initiate attacks.

Manchester City or Real Madrid?

But, Khusanov is not yet a true ball-playing centre-back. As of now, he is more suited to being a stopper. So, joining a team like Manchester City (the move is reportedly close) at this stage of his career could turn out to be a mistake. Playing for Pep Guardiola requires a high level of discipline in passing and even more rigour in off-the-ball movement. Considering the fact that Khusanov has only around 18 months of experience in a top-five league (he came to Ligue 1 from Belarus in 2023), the step up to City is likely to be quite a ‘culture shock’ for the young Uzbek. Indeed, he may not feature regularly until next season, unless injury woes force Guardiola to throw him in.

In that context, a transfer to Real Madrid (one of his other suitors) may have been better. It is of course a much tougher assignment in terms of the pressure from the fandom and the aura of the club. But, Real’s current injury list and the club’s more straightforward playing style may have been a better fit for the young Asian. 

ALSO READ | January transfer rumours: Mikel Arteta's eight-strong Arsenal wishlist revealed

On the other hand, the list of players who could not cope with being at Real is also long. And, even if he fails at City, time at the club is highly likely to make him a more well-rounded player as the style of play for which he will be training will improve his decision-making, passing and tactical intelligence, as long as he has the right attitude to practice.

Time will tell whether Khusanov can continue his meteoric rise, from Belarus in 2022 to France in 2023 to joining one of the world’s biggest teams in January 2025. Whatever happens, it is vital to temper expectations and remember that he is still only a high-potential prospect a few years from his prime. If the football world does that, thereby ensuring that he is not swallowed by the weight of expectations, he is almost certain to become at least a top-class defender (at City or elsewhere), if not one of the best of his generation.