From Uzbekistan: Manchester City stop €5 million payment to Lens in Abdukodir Khusanov deal | OneFootball

Manchester City have reportedly stopped a €5 million payment to RC Lens after Abdukodir Khusanov failed to trigger a clause during the second-half of the season.

The young central defender was one of four new signings brought into the Etihad Stadium during the January transfer window, as concerns began to grow over the club’s ability to secure a UEFA Champions League qualification finish in the Premier League.

With injuries mounting, particularly in defence, Guardiola and club officials felt it necessary to begin their summer recruitment drive early, and with that came two new defensive signings in Khusanov and Reis.

The former was deemed ready and suitable to top-level football at Manchester City from the very off, and despite a somewhat shaky start against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, Khusanov put in exemplary performances against the likes of Real Madrid, Tottenham, and Liverpool.

But after being substituted at the half-time interval of City’s 1-2 away win against Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Khusanov was not utilised by Pep Guardiola again during the remainder of the season and even found himself outside of matchday squad lists.

Now, a new report from Uzbekistan has indicated a possible behind-the-scenes financially-motivated reason as to why the player had been shut out from making any more than the nine appearances secured since his arrival.

According to the information of journalist Mamadiyor Muxtorov, a clause was agreed between Manchester City and Lens in January stating that an additional fee would need to be paid to the French club in the event of 10 appearances during the second-half of the 2024/25 season.

That fee concerning Abdukodir Khusanov‘s appearances was reportedly worth €5 million, while other bonuses are said to have been included in the arrangement that have not been disclosed at this stage.

As a direct result of the appearance-related clause, the Uzbekistan international only featured in nine games across competitions for the club following his arrival in January, meaning Manchester City avoided the additional payment.

Many have speculated what the future holds for Khusanov at Manchester City following the decline in involvement under Guardiola during the tail-end of the season, although the current belief is that his prospects lie firmly within the Etihad Stadium.

The club are not expected to make any further additions in the central defensive ranks this summer, and could assess the futures of John Stones and Nathan Ake owing to the pair’s difficulties with injury and ability to be available consistently during the last season.

Vitor Reis is perhaps a different question, and reports elsewhere have indicated that the Brazilian has been identified for a role as a defensive midfielder by Pep Guardiola, who is hoping to review the player in that position with the club’s Under-21s.