Lens CEO Confirms Departure of Young Defender Amid Premier League Interest

Pierre Dréossi, CEO of Lens, has announced that promising young centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov is set to depart the French club. The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international has attracted attention from several Premier League sides, with Manchester City reportedly among the interested parties.

Khusanov has impressed in his performances for Lens, establishing himself as a key player in Will Still’s first-team squad. The club had previously disclosed that renowned agent Jorge Mendes was tasked with finding a new destination for the talented defender.

In a statement to DAZN before Lens’ home match against Toulouse, Dréossi affirmed Khusanov’s impending departure, stating, “Khusanov will leave, although we haven’t received any satisfactory offers yet. We anticipate both departures and arrivals, but we’re confident we’ll maintain sufficient quality in our squad to compete for European qualification.”

The CEO emphasized that Khusanov’s transfer would significantly benefit the club’s financial position. “If he does leave, and if the offers are attractive enough, our primary concern is achieving economic balance,” Dréossi explained.

While Dréossi confirmed Khusanov’s eventual exit, he did not specify whether the transfer would occur during the winter window or in the upcoming summer. The young defender’s departure marks a significant development for Lens as they navigate the competitive landscape of French football and European aspirations.