Chelsea interest in Khusanov met with derision
Abdukodir Khusanov is going nowhere — at least according to the City supporters who have spent the past few days laughing off claims that Chelsea are weighing up a January move for the centre-back.
Reports linking the 22-year-old with Stamford Bridge emerged from sources that even the original article admitted were less than reliable. The response from the terraces was immediate and emphatic. One post on X declared simply: 'Khusanov is untouchable.' Another user wrote: 'Big NO!!! He is ours!!' A third added: 'lol, I hope they have at least £160mil ready. That boy is not for sale.'
It is hard to argue with the sentiment. Khusanov started Enzo Maresca's first three league matches in charge, a period in which City conceded just two goals. He has since been an unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Manchester United and the 5-3 win over Sunderland, which has fuelled speculation about his future. But it feels far too early to suggest he has fallen out of favour.
If anything, the three goals shipped against Sunderland might persuade Maresca to bring him back into the starting eleven after the international break. Khusanov's speed allows him to cover at fullback, and his best performances for the club came in the second half of last season when Pep Guardiola paired him with Marc Guehi at the heart of defence.
Maresca has so far preferred Ruben Dias alongside Guehi. After the Sunderland display, he may rethink that selection ahead of a massive fixture against Liverpool at Anfield next month.
Khusanov will be determined to prove his worth to the new manager. Whether he can re-establish himself after the international break remains to be seen — but City fans have made their feelings clear about any supposed interest from West London.