Pep Guardiola is set to rip up his plans for the January window and push through a move for Abdukodir Khusanov this month. Guardiola is battling against a major injury crisis in defence, with at least one of Manchester City's four established centre-backs missing in the last 14 matches. That has coincided with a dreadful run of form.
The reigning Premier League champions have won just two games in that spell, dropping to sixth in the table. They now sit 14 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who also hold a game in hand. The January transfer window offers Guardiola the chance to reinforce his creaking squad. And it appears the embattled boss has made brining in defenders a top priority over the coming month.
According to the Manchester Evening News, City are considering accelerating their plans to sign Khusanov. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a successful season with Lens, having joined the French side in 2023. He is the first Uzbek to play in Ligue 1 and the youngest to feature in the Champions League and Europa League. His performances in France have attracted the attention of City, who have been eyeing him as a future prospect.
Guardiola has never signed a first-team player as young as Khusanov, with Josko Gvardiol the youngest at 21. But with a major injury crisis at play, City could well change their strategy. HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should be Manchester City's top target this month? Comment below.
