2025 began as a period rich in historic events for Central Asian football. Uzbekistan national team central defender Abduqodir Husanov and Kazakhstan's young talent Dastan Satpayev managed to attract the attention of the football community by signing contracts with famous European clubs.
On January 20, Abduqodir Husanov signed a multi-year contract with England's renowned club "Manchester City." The Manchester club agreed to pay 40 million euros to the French club "Lens" for this transfer, along with an additional 10 million euros in bonuses.
Not long after, another transfer news emerged. 16-year-old Dastan Satpayev, who was trained at Kazakhstan's "Kairat" club, signed a contract with London's famous "Chelsea" team. The English club spent 4.3 million euros for this talented forward. However, Satpayev decided to stay at his previous club "Kairat" to gain experience until he turns 18.
Following these transfers, football experts and fans began to compare and evaluate the two young talents. The acting head coach of the Kazakhstan national team, Ali Aliyev, stating that he considers Dastan Satpayev superior to Abduqodir Husanov, who has proven himself in France and England, sparked numerous debates and discussions.
"I consider Dastan to be stronger than Husanov. Look at his genetics; he is a true athlete. All possibilities must be utilized to bring him to the top level in Europe. If there is a chance to introduce him internationally, he has the talent to catch the attention of players like Arda Güler and Endrick, who play for Real Madrid," Ali Aliyev commented.
However, another prominent figure in Kazakh football, Bulat Yesmagambetov, opposed these views and rated Abduqodir Husanov highly:
"Husanov is a true top-level player. His potential is high; I have watched his games in the French championship. He was not randomly offered to Manchester City. It is incorrect to compare Husanov with Dastan Satpayev, as they operate in different positions on the field, and their qualities and levels are also different. Abduqodir is developing into a very fast, powerful, high-level player," Yesmagambetov said.
Abduqodir Husanov made history as the first Uzbek footballer to participate in the English Premier League after the championships in Belarus and France. His contract with "Manchester City" will last until the summer of 2029. The Transfermarkt portal has valued his market price at 35 million euros.
Meanwhile, Dastan Satpayev has started to showcase himself well in the Kazakhstan Premier League this year. After turning 18 in 2026, he is expected to move to Chelsea's youth team, and according to Transfermarkt data, his current transfer price is estimated at 500,000 euros.
