Abdukodir Khusanov, a member of the Uzbekistan national team, has recently begun to be mentioned among the most reliable and promising defenders playing in Europe. As the transfer window approaches, the 22-year-old is attracting the attention of various clubs: some believe in his progress, while others want to strengthen the defense with this type of agile, physically strong, and modern player.
According to information published on the website butfootballclub.fr, one of France's influential sources, the upcoming summer transfer window could lead to significant changes at Lens. The reason is that major European clubs are showing great interest in central defender Samson Baidu, who made a major discovery in Ligue 1 this season. And this very situation, unexpectedly, is likely to open the door for Husanov's return to "Lance."
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Manchester City has surpassed its rivals in the battle for Baydo. According to reports, the English club is considering a unique strategy: acquiring the player in the summer and keeping him on loan at Lens for another season to continue his growth.
The 21-year-old Austrian, originally from Ghana, is now known as one of the league's most promising central defenders. As a defender who is decisive in single combat, accurate in passes, and a good reader of the game, he is in high demand. In modern football, a central defender isn't limited to just returning the ball: position, first pass, proper understanding of tempo - it's said that Baydu meets these exact requirements.
Interestingly, "City" is not alone in this race. Liverpool is also closely monitoring the situation. Major clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan are also reportedly interested in signing Baydo. Under such strong demand, Lens could set a price of around 45-55 million euros for their defender. In today's market, this amount is considered "absolutely realistic" for a young central defender with significant potential.
This is where the second scenario arises. After leaving "Lance," Abdukodir Khusanov has not always been consistently in the starting lineup for "Manchester City." Naturally: super-strength competition, two or three high-level players in each position, a "final" mood every week. Therefore, it is said that "City" may also consider the option of loaning the Uzbek defender.
Regular playing practice on loan is the best "vitamin" for a defender: form, confidence, adaptation to tempo, speed of decision-making - everything grows through play. In this regard, experts write that "Lance" may try to bring Khusanov back against the backdrop of Baydu's departure. In addition, it is possible that part of the Uzbek legionnaire's salary will be covered by the English club.
This plan could be beneficial for Lens in two ways: firstly, it will compensate for defensive losses if Baydo leaves. Secondly, a player who has already adapted to the club environment and has already learned the pace and requirements of Ligue 1 will return. That is, "adaptation time" decreases, and time is lost in the struggle for results.
If this scenario materializes, Abdukodir Khusanov's return to Lens could become one of the most unexpected transfer events of the summer in France, the source notes.
As a reminder, Abdukodir Khusanov played for Lens from the summer of 2023 to January 2025, making a total of 31 appearances for the team. So, he's not a stranger to this club - on the contrary, a familiar environment, familiar football, familiar requirements. Now all the intrigue is the same: if the transfer chain around Baydu starts working in the summer, will the door to Khusanov's return to France really open?
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