Manchester City are now in negotiations to sign a new player, with Pep Guardiola looking to strengthen his side this month after a disappointing season so far.
Man City make it back-to-back wins with a win over West Ham
After a streak of just one win in nine Premier League games that stretched from early November until Boxing Day, Manchester City returned to winning ways. After beating Leicester City 2-0 just before the turn of the year, Guardiola’s side kicked off 2025 by thrashing West Ham United 4-1 at the Etihad.
Erling Haaland scored twice on the day to take his Premier League tally to 16 for the season, while Phil Foden also got on the scoresheet for just the second time this season.
But while the result brought back memories of the old city, the performance again left a little to be desired, with the Sky Blues stringing together chance after chance which, fortunately for them, West Ham squandered.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted that he still has a lot of work to do if his side are to return to the form that saw them win four Premier League titles.
“[Is] the old manchester city is back and the way we play? Not. You have to know that. You’ve been watching the games for years. We’re not up to par, come on. Of course, there are incredibly many positive sides. But if you ask me, the team is playing like it played years ago, no, absolutely not.”
Man City is negotiating for defender Lens Khusanov
To help City get back on track, Guardiola is reportedly looking to strengthen his squad in the January transfer market, and according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, he is keen on the RC Lens defender Abdukodir Husanov. There have been reports that City have joined the race for the player and now there has been a development.
Romano has now claimed City are in active talks with the Ligue 1 side for the 20-year-old centre-back, who has impressed for the Blood and Gold this term.
Khusanov, who already has 18 games for the Uzbekistan national team, described Football talent scout Jacek Kulig as an “excellent” central defender and a “future legend of Uzbek football”.
Lens head coach Will Still also praised Khusanov, speaking of him earlier this season: “He is calm, strong, fast. He doesn’t talk, but he’s good. He has very, very impressive potential.” he added.
Meanwhile, Lens director Pierre Dreossi recently told DAZN, according to Mail Online , yes Khusanov will “leave” Stade Bollaert-Delelis in January, but that “there have been no good offers yet”.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former agent, Jorge Mendes, is in charge of trying to sell Khusanov and it looks like a move to the Etihad will be something to watch.
