Abdukodir Khusanov Signs New Five-Year Deal with Manchester City

Abdukodir Khusanov has nailed his colours to the Manchester City mast, signing a new five-year deal that underlines both his rise and the club’s faith in him.

At 22, the centre-back has already made history as the first Uzbek player to join a Premier League club, arriving at the Etihad in January 2025. He didn’t come to make up the numbers. He made 37 appearances under Pep Guardiola last season, forcing his way into one of the most demanding squads in world football and playing his part in a domestic cup double.

“This is a great day for me and my family,” Khusanov said after committing his future. “I am really happy to extend my stay at City. I've enjoyed every minute since I arrived in Manchester.”

Those minutes have been big ones. Khusanov featured in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals at Wembley, thrown into the sharp end of English football and responding with the kind of composure that has quickly earned trust inside the club.

He knows the challenge now changes. Guardiola has gone, Enzo Maresca has arrived, and a new hierarchy of favourites will form in the dressing room.

“I feel I am growing and learning a lot as a player,” Khusanov said. “I have a new challenge now, which is to impress Enzo Maresca and his staff. I also want to ensure I am in his team regularly. I am determined to do that.”

There was a nod, too, to the supporters who have watched him adapt to a new country, a new league and a new level of scrutiny.

“Thank you to the City fans for all of your support - it has been really important as I have settled in England and the Premier League. Now I am only looking forward. I am ready to do everything I can to help this club be as successful as possible.”

Inside the club, the belief in his ceiling is unambiguous. Director of football Hugo Viana did not hold back when assessing the defender’s trajectory.

“We are seeing him grow into a brilliant young man and an outstanding defender, but we know this is only the beginning,” Viana said. “His physical and technical abilities are top. He has all the assets needed to be a world-class centre-back.

“At just 22 years old, his best years are all in front of him and his potential to get even better is clear for all to see.”

City have seen this story before: a young defender, raw but gifted, polished on the training pitches of the Etihad Campus into something far more complete. Khusanov’s new contract is a statement that the club expect him to follow that path, not just fill out the squad list.

Now comes the real test. A new manager, a refreshed dressing room, and a defender intent on turning promise into permanence in the starting XI.