Uzbek Star Abdukodir Khusanov Ranked Among Asia’s Most Valuable Footballers

At just 21 years old, Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov has achieved a remarkable milestone, being named Asia’s joint most valuable footballer with a market valuation of €35 million, according to the latest figures from Transfermarkt.

This places him on par with Brighton’s Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma, whose value was recently revised down from €40 million to €35 million, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae, a South Korean international, also saw a decrease, from €40 million to €32 million, making Khusanov the continent’s equal top-valued player with Mitoma.

Khusanov’s meteoric rise follows his high-profile transfer to English champions Manchester City earlier this year. The long-term deal, reportedly valued at €40 million, marked a record for an Uzbek player and one of the largest fees ever paid for an Asian footballer.

Manchester City confirmed the signing from French club RC Lens in January. British media reported that the deal includes performance-based bonuses, which could further increase its value. The central defender made 31 appearances for Lens after transferring from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU Minsk in 2023.

Khusanov is the first player from Uzbekistan to play in the English Premier League, a landmark achievement that has garnered widespread attention in his home country. Manchester City officials praised his tactical awareness, composure under pressure, and pace, qualities he demonstrated throughout his Ligue 1 campaign.