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    Meet Abdukodir Khusanov, the £33m ‘Tank’ Uzbek defender who sprints like an Olympian and is joining Man City from Lens

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    MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on signing Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens.The Premier League champions have reportedly agreed a £33.6million deal to land the youngster this month.Abdukodir Khusanov is the ‘Tank’ set to join Manchester CityCredit: GettyThe young centre-back has developed into one of the best defenders in Ligue 1Credit: GettyHis 37km/h top speed rivals the pace Usain Bolt set in the 100mCredit: AFPBut who is the rising star set to make his switch to the Etihad – and what kind of a player are City signing?First of all, Pep Guardiola is getting a proper defender.Khusanov, 20, is no creative player who has been shoehorned into playing at the back.He is a defender’s defender – and seemingly relishes preventing strikers scoring, coming out in the 94th percentile for his defensive stats in Ligue 1 this term. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he is a physical specimen of a man: 6ft 1in tall, powerful, strong, athletic and quick. Very quick.Khusanov clocked a staggering top speed of 37km/h – 22.9mph – earlier this season.To put that into context, Usain Bolt averaged 37.58km/h to set the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, albeit reaching 43.99km/h during the 2009 race.In the 2023-24 Premier League season, the 37km/h barrier was broken just twice – both by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven who managed 37.38km/h and 37.23km/h. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSo it’s safe to say that Khusanov would add a whole new dynamic to City’s back line with his lightning pace.He capitalises on his physical attributes to be strong in the air and even stronger in the challenge.Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir?His aggressive pressing style and love of a battle with a striker means he is perfectly comfortable stepping out to squeeze opponents or intercept as well as in one-v-one situations, drawing comparisons to Ruben Dias.He is not dirty, only picking up two yellow cards this season, but does love a last-ditch slide tackle and did see red for a studs-up challenge on PSG’s Achraf Hakimi in November. His Lens manager Will Still summed it up succinctly: “Kodir is a tank.” Interestingly, though, Khusanov is not your typical Guardiola centre-back because he is not the best with the ball at his feet. He averages fewer touches, passes and forward carries than his centre-back partners Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina – albeit playing in the middle of a back three – and certainly has room to grow in his range of passing.This will be particularly important when lining up in a Guardiola team that dominates possession. It has been a staggering and rapid rise for Khusanov as he finds himself on the brink of his transfer to England. The Uzbekistan international and Olympian – who would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League – left his homeland aged 18 to join Belarusian club Energetik-BGU in 2022.Less than 18 months later, he signed for Lens in July 2023 for £84,000 – and is now set to move on for 400 TIMES that figure, having only established himself as a first-team regular starter this season.But City fans’ excitement will be curbed by two important factors. Khusanov is not very experienced.The youngster – who ironically has only celebrated five birthdays as he was born on February 29, 2004 – went into 2025 with still only 24 Ligue 1 appearances to his name.He has two in the Champions League from last season’s group stages, including a 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal.The other slight area for concern is verbally.READ MORE SUN STORIESKhusanov has been described as a very quiet person and add in the further complications of the language barrier upon arriving in England and that could mean he takes time to settle.But if struggling Guardiola is so keen to spend big cash and waste no time in bringing him in, he must be confident he can get the best out of Abdukodir Khusanov as City’s next defensive stalwart. Khusanov would become the first Uzbek to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_He is not afraid to stand up for himself and show aggressionCredit: AFPThe 18-cap international left his homeland aged 18 to move to BelarusCredit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_The youngster signed for Lens from Energetik-BGU in 2023Credit: Instagram @abdukodir_khusanov_Pep Guardiola will know there is room for improvement with the ball at his feetCredit: GettyKhusanov was on the end of a 6-0 stuffing by Arsenal in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyHe could rival Micky van de Ven as the Prem’s fastest footballerCredit: Getty More

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      Ligue 1 in savage six-word response to Cristiano Ronaldo after his brutal comments about French league

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      LIGUE 1 fired a savage six-word response at Cristiano Ronaldo following his brutal comments about France’s top league.The Portuguese legend made a disparaging remark about the competition while collecting several prizes at the Globe Soccer Awards.Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments about Ligue 1 have come back to haunt himCredit: GettyRonaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, was crowned both ‘Best Player in the Middle East’ AND ‘Top Scorer of All Time’ at last week’s event.The 39-year-old striker is the top name in the Saudi Pro League following a move there two years ago.Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after having his Manchester United deal terminated following a major row with Erik ten Hag.And after netting 80 goals in 89 games for his new side, the three-time Premier League winner made a bold statement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccepting his awards, ex-Real Madrid and Juventus star Ronaldo declared that the Saudi Pro League was making major strides to catch Europe’s top divisions.But in his eyes, it is already better than France’s Ligue 1.The competition boasts numerous top names including Marseille, Monaco and Lyon.However, Ronnie reckons it is simply a one-team league due to the dominance of moneybags Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking on stage, Ronaldo said: “The Saudi league is better than Ligue 1.“In France, only PSG exists — the rest are finished. If you don’t believe me, try running in 39 or 40 degrees and see.”Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player 2024 gong at Globe Soccer AwardsRonaldo’s comments have come back to haunt him though.The ace is yet to win a title in Saudi and so far has just a single Arab Club Champions Cup to his name.And Ligue 1’s Spanish X account fired back at Ronaldo’s comments by posting a picture of rival Lionel Messi.The snap showed Inter Miami’s forward in an Argentina shirt kissing the World Cup after winning two years ago in Saudi’s neighbour Qatar.A caption read: “Leo Messi playing in 38 degrees.”Fans reacted in amazement to the response.One said: “I’ve been waiting for you to post this.”Another declared: “Admin hold this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “The GOATS.”Another added: “No shame.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

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      Former Man Utd star goes incognito in scarf and hat at Ligue 1 clash but is instantly spotted by fans

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      A FORMER Manchester United star tried to go incognito to watch a Ligue 1 clash.But he was instantly spotted by fans. A mystery footballer went undercover at Lens vs PSGCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneHe wrapped up warm in a club red-and-yellow scarf plus a matching hatCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe local hero posed for photos with fansCredit: Insatgram @raphaelvaraneThe ex-Red Devils man took his seat amongst the supporters for Lens’ French Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night.Will Still’s side took the lead on 66 minutes but their lead lasted just four minutes before substitute Goncalo Ramos equalised.Luis Enrique’s men prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the last 32. And that left the defender in disguise gutted.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe World Cup winner decked himself out in a red-and-yellow Lens scarf to cover his face.He completed the look with a matching beanie hat and a black coat. But it did not take long for fans to work out who it was.Especially because the superstar came through as a youngster at the club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe shone in the first team to earn himself a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs in 2011 – then joined United a decade later.But have you worked out who the mystery footballer is?OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterIt is none other than Raphael Varane.Varane, 31, spent ten years at Real Madrid following his transfer from Lens, winning four Champions Leagues.But things did not work out so well for the 93-cap France international at Old Trafford as he struggled for form and fitness amid the club’s ongoing woes.Varane headed to Cosmo in the summer on a two-year deal but sustained a knee injury and opted to retire.After his secretive trip to watch Lens, days after helping to conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 draw, the local hero posted the snaps on Instagram – including selfies with the adoring Lens faithful.He captioned the Instagram upload: “Back to the source… Don’t try to explain to them, they can’t understand ❤️💛’RECOGNISE THOSE EYES'”Love football, the emotions. This is what it is all about!!” Plenty of fans were loving Varane’s undercover fiesta of festive football.One said: “Love you Raph.”Another wrote: “Legend.”A third added: “I recognise those eyes haha.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth replied: “Bro is enjoying retirement.”And a final user joked: “Varane dressing like a hooligan.”Varane came through and made his name at Lens, earning a move to Real MadridCredit: GettyHe spent three seasons with Manchester United and won the FA Cup in MayCredit: GettyHe helped conduct the Women’s Euro 2025 drawCredit: AFP More

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      Gianluigi Donnarumma suffers horror facial injuries after sickening tackle that could have blinded him

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left bloodied and bruised after suffering a horrendous facial injury during a crunch clash with Monaco.PSG face Monaco in a crucial Ligue 1 match at Stade Louis II, but the visitors lost their keeper early in the first half after a blood-curling challenge.Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a horrendous injuryCredit: AFPDonnarumma suffered the injury during PSG’s Ligue 1 match at MonacoCredit: AFPMonaco’s Wilfried Singo stepped on Donnarumma’s faceCredit: AFPThat reckless challenge could have blinded PSG star DonnarummaCredit: AFPDonnarumma was forced off after that horror injuryCredit: AFPDonnarumma’s cheek had been sliced open by the studsCredit: ReutersDonnarumma later shared a photo on X of his face with ten staples on his woundsWilfried Singo broke down the right flank and looked to beat Donnarumma, 25, while under pressure by Joao Neves.Singo, 23, fired a weak shot that was blocked by the Italy international and the Monaco ace then tried to jump over his opponent.However, the Ivory Coast international caught Donnarumma’s face – studs first – with his right foot.The Italian star was left bleeding with an awful wound on his face.Read More on FootballAnd PSG boss Luis Enrique had no other option but to take him off the pitch and replace him with back-up keeper Matvei Safonov after just 22 minutes.Singo was already on a yellow after a rough challenge on Desire Doue just nine minutes earlier.But shockingly enough, the referee opted against booking the Ivorian again.That is despite the fact Donnarumma was left with a devastating wound just a few inches away from his right eye, which could have led to something far worse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Italian shared the full extent of his facial injury after receiving staples in the dressing room.Fans were left devastated and stormed social media claiming the ex-AC Milan star could have been blinded by Singo’s reckless challenge – that was no punished by a yellow or red card.Gianluigi Donnarumma didn’t celebrate after saving Bukayo Saka’s penalty as he didn’t know he had just won Euro 2020One fan tweeted: “Singo is already on a yellow card and this leap, while it was a collision, was incredibly reckless play and it could have taken Donnarumma’s eye off to be honest. Singo is on thin ice right now.”Another commented: “Donnarumma is 2cm away from losing his eye.”A third wrote: “Donnarumma’s injury tonight is scary.”This fan said: “Donnarumma is literally DISFIGURED.”And that one stated: “Gigio Donnarumma’s face… But it doesn’t even deserve a yellow card… Mind-blowing.” More

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      Lyon star Mikautadze victim of armed robbery as thieves ‘threaten him with weapon and steal £200k worth of jewellery’

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      LYON striker Georges Mikautadze was the victim of a robbery at his home on Sunday evening.The incident occurred at around 9pm, just hours after the 24-year-old appeared for Lyon against OGC Nice.Lyon and Georgia striker Georges Mikautadze was the victim of an armed robbery on SundayCredit: GettyAccording to French newspaper Le Progres, two hooded individuals threatened Mikautadze with a weapon.However, he was not physically assaulted.The perpetrators stole jewellery – including valuable watches – and luxury leather goods from the striker’s house.It is estimated the total loot was worth around £207,000 (€250,000).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn investigation is now underway as police continue searching for the offenders.Mikautadze came off the bench for Lyon against Nice on Sunday, replacing hat-trick hero Alexandre Lacazette.Lyon went on to win the match 4-1 and jumped up to fifth in the Ligue 1 table as a result.In 17 appearances for the French side so far this season, Mikautadze has scored four goals and provided one assist.Most read in FootballHe joined Lyon in a £6.2million transfer from Metz in July after impressing for Georgia at Euro 2024.The striker managed four goal contributions in three group games for the underdog nation in Germany. More

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      France World Cup winner reveals shock plans to retire at 34 for career in real estate

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      FRANCE star Ousmane Dembele has already planned out his retirement despite being only 27 years old.Dembele has already experienced immense success at both club and especially international level, having won the 2018 World Cup with Les Bleus.Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele revealed he will retire at the age of 34Credit: GettyWorld Cup winner Dembele is planning to get in the real estate businessCredit: GettyThe forward also counts three LaLiga titles as well as two Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona, a German Cup with Borussia Dortmund and last season’s double with current club Paris Saint-Germain.And Dembele appears to only have about seven years left in his career to win even more honours.That is because the France international revealed he has decided to hang up his football boots at the age of 34.And then the ex-Rennes star is planning to get in the real estate business in France as well as several African nations.Read More on FootballDembele told The Bridge – a YouTube show, which is co-presented by Real Madrid ace and France team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni: “I want to retire at 34. “And then I want to get into the property business. Invest in Africa, in France…”Dembele has had a strong start at PSG this season as he already counts five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.Ever since his arrival in Paris from Barcelona last year, the versatile attacker counts a total of 11 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Frenchman has also registered a total of six goals and four assists in 53 caps with his national team.That includes four appearances in the World Cup six years ago, when France lifted the trophy.PSG return to action on Friday in Ligue 1 against Toulouse at Parc des Princes.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games More

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      Mason Greenwood hauled off at half time of derby clash as Marseille boss fumes ‘I expected a lot more from him’

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      MARSEILLE boss Roberto De Zerbi slammed the performance of Mason Greenwood after hooking him off at half-time.They were beaten 3-0 against Paris Saint-Germain last night as they fell six points behind their rivals at the top of the Ligue 1 table.Mason Greenwood was hooked off against PSGCredit: AFPManager Roberto De Zerbi was not pleased with his performanceCredit: APGreenwood started the game dubbed “Le Classique” on the right-wing but struggled in the opening 45 minutes.He failed to get into the game and was often pinned back in his own half as PSG dominated.The one-time capped England international also did not register a shot and gave possession away four times with his passes.Notoriously harsh French publication L’Equipe gave his performance a 1/10.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGreenwood was hauled off at the break, with fellow Englishman Jonathan Rowe replacing him.Asked about the change after the game, De Zerbi said: “Because I didn’t like the way he played. “If we want to compete for the title we have to push in all matches.“He’s a good guy but I expected a lot more from him this evening.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Marseille in a £26.6million deal from Manchester United, Greenwood has scored six goals in nine game.But a drought in front of goal has seen the 23-year-old find the back of the net just once in his last six games.Off the pitch, Greenwood continues to settle into life in France and his girlfriend Harriet Robson is expecting their second child.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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      Paul Pogba tipped for shock transfer to reunite with Man Utd team-mate and ex-Premier League boss after drug ban appeal

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      PAUL POGBA is wanted by Marseille ahead of his post-drug ban comeback, according to reports.French news outlets are claiming that the Ligue 1 club are in advanced talks over the signing.Paul Pogba has been linked with a shock move to MarseilleCredit: ReutersThe transfer would see him play with ex-Man Utd team-mate Mason GreenwoodCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi is the Marseille gafferCredit: AFPPogba, who remains on the books of Juventus, is likely to have his contract mutually terminated so he can become a free agent.He is then seemingly set to join Marseille in January, with his ban preventing him from playing until March.The club are managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and his former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood is in the squad.Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on loan there from Everton and Tottenham respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPogba was initially banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.The 31-year-old Frenchman has always pleaded his innocence and appealed the decision.Two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.They cut his suspension because Pogba was able to prove he took the substance linked to testosterone growth by accident.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSResponding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice Evra”This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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      Premier League cult villain Neal Maupay laughs at being sent off for Marseille with two bookings in three minutes

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      NEAL MAUPAY was sent off after receiving two bookings in just three minutes last night.The former Brentford and Everton forward, 28, was handed just his second start of the season as Marseille took on Angers at Stade Velodrome.Neal Maupay laughed as he was sent offThe striker, 28, received a second yellow for this late challengeAhead of the game, players were greeted onto the pitch by an incredible tifo display celebrating Marseille’s 125th birthday.And the occasion may have gotten to ex-Prem prankster Maupay, who was heading in for an early bath within half an hour.The feisty affair had its first flashpoint in the 22nd minute, when visiting star Lilian Raolisoa lunged in on Marseille defender Ullises Garcia.This prompted fury among Marseille’s ranks, with Maupay one of the most vocal in trying to get Raolisoa sent off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFollowing a VAR check Maupay would get his wish, with Raolisoa eventually shown a red card in the 26th minute.Moments later, Maupay was also in the referee’s book.Then on the half hour mark he joined Raolisoa in being sent off, receiving a second yellow for a late challenge by the halfway line.As he received his marching orders, Maupay risked the further wrath of Marseille fans by smiling and laughing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then shook his head as he made his way off the pitch.The match proceeded 10 vs 10 for an hour, with Marseille stumbling against their newly promoted opponents.Embarrassing footage emerges of Premier League star Neal Maupay falling over in lift while in just swimming trunksNorwich loanee Jonathan Rowe gave Roberto De Zerbi’s side the lead on 51 minutes.The England Under-21 international followed up his amazing last minute winner at Lyon a fortnight ago by converting in the box against Angers following a neat turn.Marseille’s lead would last barely three minutes, with Farid El Melali grabbing a spectacular equaliser – converting a brilliant free-kick beyond keeper Geronimo Rulli.The result leaves De Zerbi’s men third in the Ligue 1 table, two points behind both Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.Monaco face a tricky trip to Rennes this evening, before PSG round off the weekend’s Ligue 1 action at Nice on Sunday night.Maupay will be suspended when Marseille travel to Montpellier after the international break.The Frenchman has scored once this season in Ligue 1, an effort in his side’s 2-0 win over Nice last month.Prior to leaving England, Maupay developed a reputation as something of a cult villain.Last season he was involved in a social media war with James Maddison, after mimicking the midfielder’s darts celebration during Brentford’s 3-2 defeat at Tottenham.He was also booked while not even on the pitch against Chelsea after kicking the ball away as he warmed up as a substitute, stopping the Blues taking a free-kick.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his Brighton days, Maupay bagged a late winner against Arsenal, having argued with Bernd Leno as the then-Gunners keeper was taken off on a stretcher.He then enraged Matteo Guendouzi at the final whistle, with the Frenchman grabbing his compatriot Maupay by the throat after what turned out to be his final game for Arsenal.Maupay was involved in a spat with Matteo Guendouzi in 2020Credit: Getty More