Abdukodyr Khusanov's transfer opened the way to Europe: whose turn is it?

Abdukadir Khusanov's transfer to Manchester City caused a stir not only in Uzbek football, but also in neighboring countries and the entire CIS. After the Uzbek player joined the famous "city" team under the management of Josep Guardiola from the French club "Lens", it was said that Uzbek football had reached a new level.

Khusanov's transfer to Manchester City was initially unexpected news for many. However, our player was able to adapt to the complexity and physical load of the Premier League in a short time and was even recognized as the team's best player in February. However, his limited appearances later raised many questions among fans.

As it turned out, Khusanov's recent absence from the field is not due to his professional level, but is explained by the club's unwillingness to pay an additional bonus to "Lens".

The popular Russian sports publication sport24.ru took advantage of this situation and conducted an interview with another Uzbek player who plays for CSKA, Abbosbek Fayzullaev. The publication asked the Russian players who could follow Abdukadir Khusanov to a European giant like Manchester City.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev immediately named Matvey Kislyak in response to this question. “I think Matvey is a very high-level player who can play for European clubs. He spent the second half of the season very strongly. Kislyak has all the qualities necessary to move to any European club. I would really like to see him in one of the strongest clubs in Europe,” the Uzbek attacking midfielder emphasized.

Indeed, 19-year-old Matvey Kislyak is one of CSKA’s most talented young players. Kislyak, who plays as a central midfielder, has played in 32 matches in the Russian Premier League and the country's Cup this season, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist.

Abbasbek Fayzullaev himself is also having a great season for CSKA. It should be recalled that Fayzullaev, who moved from Pakhtakor to the Moscow club in August 2023, has played 70 matches in all competitions for the Russian team so far, scoring 8 goals and providing 22 assists.

Currently, CSKA finished the Russian Premier League in third place and is seriously preparing for the most important match of the season - the Russian Cup Superfinal. The opponent of the Army in this final will be Rostov. If the Muscovites win this match, Abbasbek Fayzullaev will win his first prestigious award with CSKA.

After this match, our 21-year-old player will travel to the United Arab Emirates to prepare for the decisive matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round as part of the Uzbekistan national team.

In turn, the question of how many more talented players will be able to pass through the doors of European football opened by Abdukodyr Khusanov remains in the center of attention of fans. Analysts have expressed many assumptions that this transfer could start a new history of Uzbek football in Europe.