In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly given his approval for the unexpected departure of £34m centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov this summer. The 21-year-old Uzbek defender, signed in January 2025 for approximately €40m (£34m) amidst fierce competition from rival Premier League clubs, has struggled to secure a regular place in the squad. His abrupt exit, barely six months after joining the Etihad, has caught fans and pundits off guard, with many describing the decision as one that “surprises everyone at the Etihad.” As Manchester City navigate a turbulent 2025 season, this bold move signals the beginning of a significant squad overhaul under Guardiola’s watchful eye.
Khusanov’s arrival at Manchester City was met with high expectations. The young defender, touted as a future star, was seen as a long-term investment to bolster City’s backline, especially with injuries plaguing key players like Rúben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Aké. However, his debut against Chelsea proved a baptism of fire, with the inexperienced centre-back struggling to cope with the Premier League’s intensity. Since that challenging outing, Khusanov has been relegated to the bench, remaining an unused substitute in three consecutive league matches. His limited game time raised questions about his immediate fit in Guardiola’s tactical setup, which demands both technical precision and physical robustness.
Guardiola, known for his ruthless decision-making, has reportedly concluded that Khusanov’s development would be better served elsewhere. “The solution is ‘give me my players back’ and we will do it,” Guardiola said earlier this season, reflecting on the squad’s injury crisis and the need for stability. Yet, with a crowded defensive roster and the emergence of other young talents, Khusanov’s departure aligns with City’s broader strategy to streamline the squad. The decision, while surprising, reflects Guardiola’s commitment to maintaining a cohesive unit capable of competing on multiple fronts, even if it means parting ways with a high-profile signing.
The 2025 season has been one of unprecedented challenges for Manchester City. Sitting seventh in the Premier League and facing a precarious position in the Champions League, the team has won just one of their last 13 matches, conceding a staggering 28 goals. The absence of midfield linchpin Rodri, sidelined for the season with a knee injury, has exposed vulnerabilities in City’s structure, placing additional pressure on the defence. Khusanov’s inability to seize his opportunity during this crisis likely sealed his fate, despite his undeniable potential. “It’s not because they don’t want it—it is because of the calendar, the schedule,” Guardiola noted, hinting at the broader challenges facing his squad, including fatigue and a relentless fixture list.
The decision to let Khusanov go is part of a larger narrative of change at the Etihad. With Kevin De Bruyne’s confirmed departure this summer and questions swirling around the futures of Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gündogan, and Jack Grealish, Guardiola is laying the groundwork for a new era. The club’s January spending spree, which saw them top the Premier League’s five-year net spend table, underscores their ambition to refresh an ageing squad. Emerging talents like Divin Mubama, a 20-year-old striker who scored on his senior debut in the FA Cup, offer hope for the future. However, Khusanov’s exit highlights the high stakes of City’s recruitment strategy, where even a £34m investment can be deemed expendable if it doesn’t yield immediate results.
Off the pitch, Manchester City face additional turmoil. The ongoing saga of 115 financial charges looms large, though the club remains defiant, with no clauses in player contracts addressing potential relegation risks. Guardiola’s personal life has also made headlines, with his recent separation from wife Cristina Serra after 30 years, reportedly influenced by his decision to extend his contract until 2027. Despite these distractions, Guardiola remains steadfast, declaring, “I will regret if I left now. I would sleep even worse than now. It’s impossible I would leave the situation as it is.” His approval of Khusanov’s departure, while controversial, reflects his unwavering focus on restoring City’s dominance.
As the summer transfer window approaches, speculation about Khusanov’s next destination is rife. European clubs, including those in the Bundesliga and Serie A, are likely to vie for the talented defender, who still has a bright future ahead. For Manchester City, this move frees up resources to pursue high-profile targets like Bruno Guimarães or Marc Guéhi, as Guardiola seeks to address the squad’s defensive frailties. The decision to part ways with Khusanov may have stunned the Etihad faithful, but it underscores Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of excellence, even in the face of adversity.