New Manchester City defender Abdugodir Khusanov aims to be the springboard for more Uzbek players to follow suit in the Premier League in the future.
Khusanov has joined Man City from Lens for £33.6m plus bonuses คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย on a four-and-a-half-year deal until the summer of 2029.
The 20-year-old centre-back becomes the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the Premier League and the second Asian player for City after Chinaman Sun Jihai, who was with the club between 2002 and 2008.
“This is not only for me, but also for Uzbekistan,” Khusanov said after his unveiling. “I am the first Uzbek in the Premier League, but I am sure this is just the beginning. Many more Uzbek players will come to the Premier League.”
“There is more interest in football in Uzbekistan. For this reason, people there want to qualify for the World Cup. And now we are just one step away from qualifying.”
On why he chose the number 45 shirt for City, the 20-year-old said: “I started my professional football career in Belarus with the number 45 shirt, so I decided to keep it at City.”
Khusanov’s transfer fee surpasses the previous record set for an Uzbek player by Eldor Shomurodov, who moved from Genoa to Roma in 2021 for €18mn.
At Energetik-BGU, Khusanov spent a year training before he was able to sign a professional contract at the age of 18. He became a key player for the club, helping them finish second in the league in 2022. His performances led to a call-up to Uzbekistan’s U20 team, where he played a role in their 2023 Asian Cup victory.
Khusanov’s performances in Belarus gained wider attention after the Asian Cup and in July 2023, he transferred to Lens, where he impressed with his ability to play in multiple defensive positions.