Manchester City identifies 20-year-old talent in Ligue 1 as defensive issues continue 

Manchester City have reportedly set their eyes on signing 20-year-old Uzbek center-back Abdukodir Khusanov from French Ligue 1 side Lens.

Manchester City identifies 20-year-old talent in Ligue 1 as defensive issues continue 

Manchester City have set their eyes on signing 20-year-old Lens center-back Abdukodir Khusanov. (via Transfermarkt)

Reigning EPL champions Manchester City have reportedly identified 20-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov as a target for the upcoming winter transfer window. The quick Uzbek center-back has emerged as one of Ligue 1 best defenders this season. 

Manchester City have been enduring a difficult period this season, as they remain sixth on the EPL table. They have fallen well out of the EPL title race, after having won just two out of their last 15 encounters. One of the many reasons for the club’s recent slump has been its poor defense. They have conceded 26 goals in 19 matches, the most by any club in the top eight. Injuries to Ruben Dias and John Stones has added to the team’s woes, with both of them set to remain out for a considerable period of time. 

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In such a tumultuous situation, the club has identified several transfer targets to strengthen the squad. Lens center-back Abdukodir Khusanov has emerged as a potential option to provide the much-needed reinforcement at the back. The Uzbekistan international joined Lens last season from Energetik-BGU, and swiftly made a name for himself for his blistering pace. He clocked record speeds of up to 37 kilometers per hour. The 20-year-old carries a price-tag of €20 million, and could be a future star for Man City. 

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Not just Man City, but several other EPL sides including Chelsea and Tottenham are also eyeing a move for the 20-year-old talent. He has seen his stakes rise, since becoming the first Uzbek player to feature in the Ligue 1, as well as the youngest to play in any UEFA competition. 

Manchester City identify a Bundesliga and a Serie A star to solve ongoing crisis, ahead of January transfer window

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side have reportedly set their eyes on signing two of Europe’s finest talents during the January transfer window, to solve their ongoing crisis. Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush and Atalanta’s Ederson are the two names. 

Manchester City Omar Marmoush and Ederson
Manchester City has identified Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush and Atalanta’s Ederson as January transfer targets (via Sport)

Man City are likely to spend big in the upcoming winter transfer window. They are reportedly targeting Omar Marmoush up front, to provide cover for the misfiring Erling Haaland. The Egyptian forwad has scored 13 goals in just 15 Bundesliga matches this season. Meanwhile, Atalanta midfielder Ederson could replace the injured Rodri, after having helped the Italian club climb to the top of the Serie A table.

Moreover, it comes immediately after manager Pep Guardiola highlighted the necessity of reinforcements in some positions. Nonetheless, City will definitely be boosted by the recent return of some of their star players, including Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Ilkay Gundogan.