Abdukodir Khusanov Signs New Five-Year Contract with Manchester City
Abdukodir Khusanov has committed his future to Manchester City, signing a new five-year contract that underlines both the club’s faith in him and his own belief that this is only the start.
The 22-year-old defender, who made history in January 2025 as the first Uzbek player to join a Premier League club, has quickly moved from curiosity to cornerstone. Thirty-seven appearances under Pep Guardiola last season, a domestic cup double, and starting roles in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals at Wembley have turned him into a serious figure in a dressing room full of stars.
“This is a great day for me and my family,” Khusanov said after putting pen to paper at Etihad Stadium. “I am really happy to extend my stay at City. I've enjoyed every minute since I arrived in Manchester.”
He has not hidden how steep the learning curve has been, or how much he has embraced it.
“I feel I am growing and learning a lot as a player,” he 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.”
The defender’s first full season in England brought medals as well as minutes. Trusted on the biggest domestic stage, he helped City lift both major cups, a rapid rise that has reshaped expectations around him. His blend of physical strength and composure on the ball has made him a natural fit in a side built on control and intensity.
Off the pitch, the adaptation has been just as important. Khusanov pointed to the backing from the stands as a key part of his settling-in process.
“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,” he said. “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 view is that this is a foundation, not a finished product. Director of football Hugo Viana did not hold back in his assessment of the centre-back’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.”
The message is unmistakable. City see Khusanov not just as a symbol of their expanding global reach, but as a long-term pillar of their defence. The next step is his: to turn promise, minutes and medals into an undisputed starting role under Maresca in a team that expects to compete for everything, every season.
