Manchester City's sporting director Ugu Viana has praised the development of Abdulkadir Khusainov, stating that the Uzbek defender is capable of reaching world-class levels in the near future.
The 22-year-old Khusainov joined City from French side Lens in January 2025. Since his transfer, he has made 52 appearances across all competitions, and in his first full season with the team, he helped secure a domestic cup double.
With the departures of John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake, Khusainov's role in the team has become even more significant at the start of the 2026/27 season.
Ugu Viana highlighted Khusainov's physical attributes and noted that City recognised his potential from the outset.
'When we signed him, we all knew about his physical qualities. We believed that he could become a really important player for us.'
The club's hierarchy did not anticipate Khusainov would adapt to a crucial role in the first team so swiftly.
'We didn't think it would happen this quickly because he was very young and had played very little in France.'
Viana is pleased with Khusainov's progress but emphasises that the defender is still on a journey of development.
'We are very, very happy with him. He is still developing and learning, but I am certain that in the next five to six years, he will become one of the best centre-backs in the world.'
