Khusanov deal has ‘high risk of failure’: ‘Odd’ Man City transfer update
Man City signing Abdukodir Khusanov during the January transfer window has a “high risk of failure”, according to finance expert Stefan Borson.
The Sky Blues are in the market for new defenders, having already conceded 29 goals in the Premier League this season, only five off the amount they conceded in the entirety of last season (34). [Fotmob]
City have identified Uzbekistan international, Abdukodir Khusanov, as one of their top targets for the January transfer window, and according to BBC Sport a fee £33.6million has been agreed.
The young defender is seen as an ideal replacement for the injury-prone John Stones. However, Borson has major concerns about the deal.
The expert took to X to respond to an article written in The Times about how “extraordinary” the move would be, saying: “I agree with this. Everything about the Khusanov deal is odd (except for his most obvious physical characteristics) – has a high risk of failure.”
When asked about his biggest concerns with the RC Lens defender, Borson said: “Tiny professional sample size, culturally challenging, not obviously Pep style player (physicality rather technical first), unlikely to be more ready than a player with years within CFG (City Football Group), size of fee relative to that.”
Man City look to revitalise aging squad with young additions in January transfer window
Football Insider verdict
Khusanov is not the only centre-back that City are attempting to sign, as they also look set to complete a deal for Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis.
Man City manager, Pep Guardiola, has seen his side struggle immensely in recent weeks and the Citizens have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games.
Injuries to Stones and Ruben Dias have left last year’s champions light at the back, and with Kyle Walker announcing his desire to leave the club, the Sky Blues are now looking to make major changes in January.
20-year-old Khusanov is in his second season with Lens in Ligue 1, despite only playing 31 senior games for the French side, he has clearly impressed the City hierarchy.
Whilst not the most physically imposing, standing at six foot one, the Uzbeki defender is quick and has exceptionally reading of the play, he shares a similar profile to current City defender, Nathan Ake.
It will be interesting to see if Guardiola looks to use the young defender, should he sign in January, as a starter immediately, or whether Khusanov moves to another team in the CFG to continue his development.
In other news, City’s transfer plans could “ruin” a move for Marcus Rashford.
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