Leeds United were in the market for a new central defender in the summer and one player that was on The 49ers’ shortlist made a surprise move to Manchester City.
Pascal Struijk’s injury, twinned with Max Wober’s inability to stay fit, meant Daniel Farke was open to the signing of a centre-back. Since then, Struijk has returned but now Ethan Ampadu and Wober are injured.
The need for a centre-back remains as Leeds went the entire January window without making any new additions. That is despite Farke saying he wanted a centre-back, a no.10 and a new striker in attack.
Leeds had been linked with a shock move for Abdukodir Khusanov. An Uzbekistan international that had impressed for Lens in France, catching the eye of Leeds but unfortunately, Premier League clubs as well.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Abdukodir Khusanov wins Man City award after Leeds snub
In December and in the lead up to the window, Leeds may have felt they had a chance of signing him. But by the time the January window was underway, Khusanov had become a target for Manchester City.
On January 20, City confirmed the £33.5m signing of Khusanov and has since played six times for Premier League champions City, even getting his name on the score sheet against Leyton Orient in The FA Cup.
Following his first month at the club and despite being torn apart by Real Madrid’s star-studded attack, Khusanov has been awarded the February Player of the Month award following his form in February.
Your February @etihad Player of the Month is… Abdukodir Khusanov! 🇺🇿
Enter for your chance to win a signed shirt ⤵️
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 6, 2025
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Khusanov’s agent claim proves Leeds never stood a chance
Man City and Newcastle were the front runners for Khusanov and it proves that Leeds never really stood a chance. Even with Premier League football, there is no way Leeds could have convinced the defender.
Khusanov’s agent discussed his move to Man City and the fact he does not even hint at any Leeds interest shows they were never part of the thinking, as City splashed the cash to get the defender in from Lens.
For Leeds, Premier League or not next season, they will be in the market for a new defender. Especially, with Max Wober expected to leave in the summer and Feyenoord suppoedly looking at signing Struijk.