Viana praises Khusanov as potential top centre-back for City
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 11:46 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Hugo Viana believes Abdukodir Khusanov can become one of the best centre-backs in world football. The 22-year-old defender has made over 50 appearances for Manchester City since arriving in January 2025 and extended his contract until 2031 this summer. Viana noted that Khusanov's development has impressed City staff, surpassing initial expectations for such a young player. Alongside Khusanov, fellow teammates Jérémy Doku and Joško Gvardiol also signed new contracts, strengthening the squad ahead of the upcoming season.
- •Khusanov signed with Manchester City in January 2025.
- •He has played over 50 matches for City.
- •Viana mentions Khusanov's significant physical attributes.
- •Khusanov's contract extends to 2031.
- •Doku and Gvardiol also secured contract renewals this summer.
- 11:46 AMYahoo Sports — Viana predicts where Khusanov will be in 'five or six years'
- 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Hugo Viana tips Man City’s Abdukodir Khusanov to become one of the best centre-backs in world football
- 9:05 AMYahoo Sports — Khusanov can be one of the best centre-backs in the world, says Viana
"Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana believes Abdukodir Khusanov "will be one of the best centre-backs in the world". The 22-year-old has made 52 appearances since joining from Ligue 1 club Lens in January 2025, while also securing a domestic cup double in his first full season. Khusanov has already made five appearances in six games under new boss Enzo Maresca, with Manchester City unbeaten so far this season.
"Hugo Viana has backed Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.Khusanov has become an important figure for Manchester City since arriving from Le...
"Hugo Viana says Abdukodir Khusanov has all the capabilities to be one of the best defenders in world football. Men's Team Viana: Maresca and I share the same ambition – to keep City on top! The Uzbe...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 11:46 AMViana predicts where Khusanov will be in 'five or six years'
Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana believes Abdukodir Khusanov "will be one of the best centre-backs in the world". The 22-year-old has made 52 appearances since joining from Ligue 1 club Lens in January 2025, while also securing a domestic cup double in his first full season. Khusanov has already made five appearances in six games under new boss Enzo Maresca, with Manchester City unbeaten so far this season.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 10:30 AMHugo Viana tips Man City’s Abdukodir Khusanov to become one of the best centre-backs in world football
Hugo Viana has backed Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.Khusanov has become an important figure for Manchester City since arriving from Le...
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 9:05 AMKhusanov can be one of the best centre-backs in the world, says Viana
Hugo Viana says Abdukodir Khusanov has all the capabilities to be one of the best defenders in world football. Men's Team Viana: Maresca and I share the same ambition – to keep City on top! The Uzbe...
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