Abdukodir Khusanov to Chelsea: The transfer that will benefit nobody

Analysis

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs keeping close tabs on Abdukodir Khusanov’s situation at Manchester City ahead of a potential approach during the January transfer window.

The Uzbekistan international established himself as a key player under Pep Guardiola last season, but he has lost his starting XI place since the appointment of Enzo Maresca, who has favoured Ruben Dias alongside Marc Guehi so far this term.

Khusanov started City’s first three Premier League matches of the new campaign, with two of those appearances coming at right-back, but he has been an unused substitute in their two most recent English top flight fixtures and now appears to be down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City remain in a strong position to retain the 22-year-old, given the fact he signed a new contract until 2031 in July, but Chelsea are one of several teams keeping a close eye on his situation, as per a shock report from CaughtOffside.

An exit next year seems highly unlikely, however it’s reported that Chelsea are lurking in the background in the event that Khusanov looks to leave.

Despite this, a move to Stamford Bridge won’t benefit anyone involved.

Abdukodir Khusanov doesn’t need to join Chelsea

The Maresca era at Man City is still in its infancy, but the eight-time Premier League champions are top of the division with five wins from five matches so far this season and the early signs look incredibly encouraging.

While Maresca is evidently a huge fan of the aforementioned Dias, having handed him the captain’s armband following Bernardo Silva’s departure, there is still plenty of time for Khusanov to work his way into favour, especially given his ability to play at right-back.

City will look to compete on all fronts yet again this season and with significant minutes therefore set to be on offer, Khusanov will almost certainly pick up plenty of game time throughout the campaign.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are still yet to hit their stride under their BlueCo ownership group and there is no reason for Khusanov to leave Man City for Stamford Bridge at this stage in his career.

Man City have no incentive to sell

Khusanov may currently be out of favour, but he proved his credentials as one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs last season and City would therefore be foolish to sanction a sale.

While Dias is still only 29 years old, the club needs significant depth in every position and allowing Khusanov to leave should be avoided at all costs.

He still has room to develop and refine his game, especially from a positional sense, but his physical attributes are already excellent, and City have completed the legwork by tying him down to a new long-term contract.

Chelsea have other areas to address

Khusanov is a fantastic talent, but Chelsea already have an immensely promising right-footed central defender on their books: Josh Acheampong.

The England U21 international has been a regular during the early weeks of the Xabi Alonso reign and there is no reason why Chelsea should halt his development by bringing Khusanov to the club in 2027.

Acheampong has the potential to be one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs in the near future and given his status as a Cobham academy graduate, Chelsea must prioritise his progress rather than look to sign another shiny new toy in his position.

Meanwhile, the Blues have also just spent €60 million on Maxence Lacroix and given they need to sign at least one new central midfielder next year, pursuing a deal for Khusanov makes very little sense.

All in all, it’s a proposed deal that wouldn’t suit anyone involved.

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