Abduqodir Husanov's transfer opened the way to Europe: who's next?

Abduqodir Husanov's transfer to Manchester City has caused a significant stir not only in Uzbekistan football but also in neighboring countries and throughout the CIS region. Following the Uzbek player's joining the famous "Citizens" under the management of Josep Guardiola from the French club Lens, it has been said that Uzbek football has reached a new level.

Initially, Husanov's move to Manchester City was an unexpected news for many. However, our player quickly adapted to the complexities and physical demands of the Premier League and was even recognized as the team's best player in February. However, his limited playing time later raised many questions among fans.

It has been revealed that Husanov's recent lack of playing time is not related to his professional level, but rather due to the club's unwillingness to pay an additional bonus to Lens.

The popular sports publication sport24.ru in Russia took advantage of this situation and conducted an interview with another Uzbek footballer, Abbosbek Fayzullayev, who is active at CSKA. The publication representatives asked Russian footballers who might follow in Abduqodir Husanov's footsteps and move to European giants like Manchester City.

In response to this question, Abbosbek Fayzullayev immediately mentioned the name Matvey Kislyak. "I think Matvey is a very high-level player who can play in European clubs. He had a very strong second half of the season. Kislyak possesses all the qualities necessary to move to any European club. I really want to see him in one of Europe's strong clubs," said the Uzbek attacking midfielder.

Indeed, 19-year-old Matvey Kislyak is considered one of the most talented trainees of CSKA. Playing in the central midfield position, Kislyak has appeared in a total of 32 matches in the current season of the Russian Premier League and the country cup, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist.

Abbosbek Fayzullayev himself is also having a great season at CSKA. It is worth noting that Fayzullayev, who moved from Pakhtakor to the Moscow club in August 2023, has participated in 70 matches across all competitions for the Russians to date, scoring 8 goals and providing 22 assists.

Currently, CSKA finished the Russian Premier League in third place and is seriously preparing for the most important game of the season — the Superfinal of the Russian Cup. The "Army Men" will face the Rostov club in this final. If the Muscovites win this match, Abbosbek Fayzullayev will secure his first prestigious trophy with CSKA.

After this match, our 21-year-old player will head to the United Arab Emirates to prepare for the decisive matches of the qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup as part of the Uzbekistan national team.

Meanwhile, the question of how many more talented footballers will pass through the doors of European football opened by Abduqodir Husanov remains in the spotlight of fans. Analysts have made many predictions that this transfer could mark the beginning of a new history for Uzbek football in the European direction.