Man City agree deal to sign centre-back

Manchester City begin their FA Cup campaign when they host nearby Salford City in the third round on Saturday. 

Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled so far this season, winning just three of their last 11 Premier League matches.

The Citizens have fallen 12 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool in the top flight table, and they are also in danger of being knocked out of the Champions League at the group phase.

Off the pitch, though, City appear to have agreed a deal for their first signing of the January transfer window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, City have finalised a deal to make RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov their first signing of the month.

The 20-year-old centre-back is set to undergo a medical in the coming days after City agreed a deal worth an initial fee of around £33 million for the player, Romano claims.

Khusanov (left) is set to join Manchester City in the coming days

Khusanov joined Lens from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU in 2023 and has since played 31 appearances for the French outfit across all competitions.

Romano claims that the Uzbekistan international will sign a long-term contract until 2029, which will also include the option of a further 12 months at The Etihad.

City have struggled defensively this season, conceding 27 goals in their first 20 league matches, in stark contract to the 34 goals that they let in across the entirety of their title winning campaign last term.

Guardiola has therefore been keen to bolster his defensive options, and it appears that Khusanov will soon be arriving at The Etihad and joining his squad.

The Uzbek will be competing with the likes of Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji for a starting spot in Guardiola’s side.