Abdukodir Khusanov jets into Manchester ahead of Etihad Stadium medical and former City transfer announcement | OneFootball

Manchester City have welcomed their new central defensive recruit, Abdukodir Khusanov to the North-West of England this week to undergo his medical.

The Premier League champions must swiftly to address their rearguard roles this month after struggles defensively throughout the first-half of the season, identifying Khusanov as one of two centre-back recruits to bring in during January’s market.

The Uzbekistan international – who will become the first player from his country to feature in the Premier League – joins Brazilian talent Vitor Reis in integrating into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad at the Etihad Stadium as a result of big-money moves.

The understanding is that Manchester City reached an agreement with RC Lens of Ligue 1 on a €40 million fee plus bonuses, with the player set to sign a four-and-a-half year deal plus the option to extend by a further 12 months.

Having now received the green light to travel to England via a work permit, Khusanov has taken the short hop over the English channel from Paris to undergo a Manchester City medical and complete the various media duties that will form his official unveiling.

As per Championat.asia, City’s newest big-money signing jetted in from the French capital on Thursday night via private jet, as the moment he boarded his flight to England was captured on camera by those travelling alongside the defender.

Over 2,000 people monitored the defender’s travel progress from mainland Europe to the UK on renowned flight data site, Flightradar24 making it the most-tracked aircraft worldwide on Thursday night.

Khusanov posed for photos whilst aboard his private jet to Manchester alongside those close to him as he moved one step closer towards finalising a dream move to Premier League football, just two years on from starring in Uzbekistan’s professional leagues.

It remains to be seen when Khusanov will first become available for selection for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, although this weekend’s clash against Ipswich Town at Portman Road could yet come too early for the player.

City will need to be proactive when it comes to his medical, formal contract and documentation signing, as well as registration with the English top-flight in order for that to happen, and a tight timeframe certainly awaits all those involved.

There are plenty of matches on the horizon for Khusanov and his team to get stuck into however, with UEFA Champions League and Premier League fixtures all awaiting in the remaining days of January alone.