Manchester City - Man City
Chelsea are considering a January move for Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov after a difficult start to the season at the back. The Uzbekistan international has featured regularly for City, but uncertainty over his long-term role has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, as per latest transfer news.
Chelsea monitoring Abdukodir Khusanov ahead of January
12 goals have been scored against Chelsea in their first five league games, leaving their defence as an area that could need attention once the January transfer window opens**.** As reported by CaughtOffside, Chelsea are one of the clubs monitoring Khusanov as they assess possible defensive options. The report suggests the London club are watching his situation closely, although there is no indication that City are actively looking to sell the 22-year-old.
Khusanov has already made three league appearances this season and remains part of Enzo Maresca’s plans at Manchester City. His position could become more interesting if his playing time changes in the coming months.
Khusanov also signed a new five-year City contract in July, underlining his importance to the club’s future. He wants to improve and earn a regular place, making a January move to Chelsea more difficult. City have little reason to sell a young defender they see as a long-term option.
Chelsea need more defensive options
As reported by Football365, Chelsea have been able to create chances and score goals, but defending has been a bigger problem. They have struggled to stop oppositions from scoring. This has increased the pressure on the club to bolster its defence.
Xabi Alonso has also made changes in the squad since arriving, but the Blues are yet to find the right balance. The club spent a lot of money on new players before the season. However, their early results suggest that more work may still be needed.
Khusanov could offer another option in central defence because of his age and experience at the highest level of football. However, Chelsea’s interest is currently at the monitoring stage rather than a confirmed attempt to sign him.
The Uzbekistan international has impressed City figures since arriving in England, and sporting director Hugo Viana has previously backed him to develop into one of the world’s leading centre-backs.
Manchester City - Man City
Manchester City - Man City
Khusanov’s Man City stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Defensive Contributions Duels Won(%) Interceptions
Premier League 21 125 60.4% 33
FA Cup 5 43 68.6% 5
EFL Cup 5 35 50% 4
Champions League 6 43 53.1% 17
Club World Cup 1 2 50.0% 1
Man City could resist January approach
For City, there is no need to make a quick decision on Khusanov. He only joined the club in January 2025 and is still getting used to life in England. His new contract also gives City plenty of control over his future. Unless his role changes a lot, a move in January could be hard to arrange.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have time to decide if they need another defender. The club can use the next few months to look at its options. Khusanov’s situation could become more interesting if he starts playing more often and gets more chances to prove himself.
Khusanov has already played in three of City’s opening five Premier League games. More chances to play regularly could do him good in the club, while a smaller role could get other clubs to try and find out if he’s available. For now, Chelsea’s interest appears to be one to monitor rather than an advanced transfer pursuit. Khusanov’s contract and City’s plans for the defender could ultimately determine whether anything develops when the January window arrives.
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