Lens seek club-record transfer fee for Manchester City target Abdukodir Khusanov

Lens will look to garner a club-record transfer fee for the transfer of Manchester City target Abdukodir Khusanov (20), according to a report from L’Equipe. The Premier League champions are reportedly leading the race to sign the 20-year-old centre-back, who quickly established himself as one of the best young Ligue 1 defenders. Khusanov joined Lens from Belarusian outfit Energetik-BGU for a €100k cut-price deal eighteen months ago. His contract is set to expire in 2027.

L’Equipe understands that Manchester City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain informed that strong contacts had been established with Khusanov and his entourage and that transfer fees were discussed with RC Lens. The Artois side CEO Pierre Dréossi has already confirmed Lens would part ways with their most-prized asset to balance the club’s books.

The outlet adds that no bid has been received yet from Manchester City. However, Lens are adamant they would not allow Khusanov to leave in exchange for less than €40m, to maximize their chances of breaking their club-record sale. The latter was Lois Openda’s 2023 switch to RB Leipzig, when Lens received a transfer fee ranging between €43m and €46m.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval