The Lens scout who travelled to the Under-20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan in March 2023 went with one mission: to confirm the talent of 19-year-old Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov. Through stats and research, Lens’ recruitment team had already identified Khusanov, who had been impressing in the Belarus top flight with Energetik-BGU Minsk, as a player to keep a close eye on. Believing he was one of the most promising defenders of his generation, the club needed to see him in action.
Lens didn’t have to wait long for an answer as his performance at the tournament, which was won by the host nation, confirmed it. He was arguably the best player on show and Lens were keen to sign him before he took part in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup two months later, as scouts from bigger clubs would be there and would surely notice him.
Lens had to wait until July to get their man, securing the transfer for a measly €100,000 — it was still the biggest transfer fee Energetik-BGU had ever received — with the view that he could be moved on for a significant profit in the future. The idea was to give him some time to adapt to Ligue 1, play in the Champions League a bit, and develop his potential.
The club had a three-year plan to make Khusanov into one of the best centre-backs in France, but it took only 18 months. Called “Kodir” by his teammates, he made a few mistakes along the way, like his red card against Paris Saint-Germain in November. His ill discipline was something to note, with five yellow cards in 11 Ligue 1 games last season. But he has course-corrected since and has been much more focused this year (two yellows in 13.)
After missing out on €40m in transfer fees last summer when exits for Kevin Danso and Neil El Aynaoui collapsed, Lens needed to bring in funds to balance their books this January. Ideally, they wanted to keep Khusanov for another 18 months — even six additional months could have seen them bank more money — but the necessity to do the deal now was apparent and the club was always clear that he would not leave for less than €40m. In the end, they reached a deal for €48m, including add-ons related to performance.
One of the world’s top agents, Jorge Mendes, brokered the transfer and Manchester City moved quickly this month to bolster their ailing defence. For a player who was earning only €35,000 a week, a move to the Premier League — where he will be the first Uzbek to play in the league — is life-changing. — JL
