Manchester City is going through its roughest period under Pep Guardiola, having slid all the way down to sixth position in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Leeds United remain in first place in the Championship.
Manchester City and Leeds United are now separated by only 14 teams in the English football pyramid. And if Daniel Farke’s side continues as they have in the first half of the season, they will join City in the Premier League next season.
And there might even be a little of business between the two sides with Leeds United recently linked with Kalvin Phillips, who’s due to depart the Etihad on a permanent deal at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Before then, however, we might see City swoop in for a player that Leeds United have been fairly actively linked with in the build up to January: Abdukodir Khusanov. According to recent sources, Leeds have bid £16.5 million for Khusanov at RC Lens.
Manchester City ‘well informed’ in race to sign Abdukodir Khusanov
Khusanov is one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in European football right now. The Uzbekistan international has featured 13 times in Ligue 1 this season and has been linked with the likes of PSG, who he went up against in his last outing.
Leeds’ chances of signing Khusanov have been played down, inevitably. Now, journalist Fabrizio Romano has made the chances of Khusanov arriving at Elland Road even more unlikely, revealing City’s keen interest.
Romano said on X: “Manchester City have added RC Lens center back Abdukodir Khusanov to their January roster.
“Several big teams are interested in the 20-year-old centre-back, who is regarded as one of the greatest in his position. “The race is open, and Manchester City is well informed.”
Leeds United have their sights set on another center back.
Several centre-backs, including Khusanov, have been connected with moves to Elland Road during the January transfer window. Others include Ben Godfrey and Christopher Wooh, although it appears Leeds is more interested in another name.
Leeds are linked with Nico Elvedi, who presently plays for Borussia Monchengladbach, Farke’s former club.
And Leeds are considered to be in pole position to sign Elvedi, who may cost as little as £8 million, making him a lot cheaper and more feasible acquisition than someone like Khusanov, who might fetch up to £20 million.
Now that City is interested, it appears like Khusanov’s move to Leeds will not happen, whether or not they make a bid.
