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Abdukodir Khusanov places in ‘worst 5 minute debut ever’ with foul and Chelsea aim

Manchester City’s new signing Abdukodir Khusanov suffered an embarrassing opening to the game as he was at fault for Chelsea’s opener before he was booked

Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Manchester, England
Abdukodir Khusanov had a horror debut on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

Abdukodir Khusanov didn’t cover himself in glory during Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Khusanov, 20, made the switch from Lens to City during the week, and he’s thrown into the deep end for their Premier League clash with the Blues. The Uzbek was left with his head in his hands during the opening four minutes of the clash as his mistake led to Noni Madueke‘s opener.

And one minute later, he found himself in the book after catching ex-City star Cole Palmer – leading some City fans to call for him to be hooked.

“Hope we kept the receipt for this fella,” one fan joked. While a second shared: “Bro Khusanov needs to come off did you see him for that Palmer chance…”

“Abdukodir Khusanov with the worst debut since Nickelback,” a third said. And another added: “Look at the angle Khusanov took on that through ball to Palmer. This guy is an amateur!”

Manchester City's Abduqodir Khusanov (right) reacts as Chelsea's Noni Madueke scores their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Man City were behind inside the opening two minutes(Image: PA)

Khusanov arrived from Lens in a deal understood to be worth €40m (£33.8m) plus add‑ons earlier this week.

The 20-year-old defender was the club’s first January signing and – he was quickly followed by Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt. The duo were both thrown into the starting side by Pep Guardiola as he looked to breath new life into his stuttering side.

Khusanov was described as “a really exciting signing” by City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain. “For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick,” he said.

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Khusanov said: “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.”