Manchester City have confirmed the signing of centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens, making the 20-year-old their first new arrival of the January transfer window.

Khusanov, who stands to become the first player from Uzbekistan to make a Premier League appearance, is reported to have cost in the region of €40m (£33.6m). A long-term contract promises to keep him at the Etihad Stadium until at least the summer of 2029.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time,” Khusanov told the his new side’s official website.

“This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them. And of course Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.

“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge.”

City sporting director Txiki Begiristain highlighted Khusanov’s intelligence for a player with relatively little senior experience, as well strength, aggression and speed as key attributes.

“Working with Pep will only make him better and, speaking to him, he is determined to keep improving,” the Spaniard, who will be replaced by Hugo Viana in summer, added.

Khusanov has opted to wear City’s number 45 shirt, made famous by former striker Mario Balotelli and once also previously occupied by Micah Richards. He had worn 25 on his back at Lens, but 45 was his jersey at first club Energetik-BGU, from Minsk in Belarus.

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