Abdukodir Khusanov has impressed with blistering speed nearly matching Usain Bolt’s record, as Manchester City’s new signing excites fans.
Manchester City’s new signing Abdukodir Khusanov has left fans and pundits stunned after footage emerged showing him sprinting at a blistering speed that nearly rivals Usain Bolt’s world record pace.
The 23-year-old Uzbek defender, who joined City for £33 million from Ligue 1 club Lens, reached an impressive top speed of 37 km/h (23 mph) during a Ligue 1 clash earlier this season as per Talk Sport.
Khusanov’s speed was captured in a video posted by Ligue 1’s official X account, showcasing his incredible acceleration and pace on the pitch.
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With his 37 km/h sprint, he came remarkably close to Usain Bolt’s average speed of 37.58 km/h, which the Jamaican sprinter reached during his 100-meter world record run at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.
While Khusanov’s speed is undeniably impressive, it’s important to note that Bolt’s top speed, achieved between the 60-80 meters of his 100-meter dash, reached an astounding 44.72 km/h (27.78 mph).
This remains the highest recorded speed in the history of the 100-meter sprint, a feat that Khusanov is yet to match. Nevertheless, the Uzbek international’s near-record speed demonstrates his raw athleticism and could prove invaluable in the fast-paced world of the Premier League.
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Man City fans will be hoping Khusanov’s electric pace will bolster the team’s defense, especially with the potential departure of veteran full-back Kyle Walker to AC Milan.
Walker has been a mainstay in City’s defense for years, but with rumors swirling about his move to Italy on a two-and-a-half-year deal, Khusanov’s speed could offer a vital boost to Pep Guardiola’s defensive line.
While Milan is yet to formalize their offer, the Italian giants are reportedly hoping to secure Walker on an initial loan deal.
In a statement about his move, Khusanov expressed his excitement at joining a club with such a rich history and world-class talent.
“This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great Club like Manchester City and I’m more than ready for this challenge,” he added.
Khusanov’s arrival at City also signals the club’s intent to continue its recruitment drive in the January transfer window.
He became the first Uzbek player to ever sign for a Premier League club, adding to City’s growing list of international signings.
His move follows that of Vitor Reis, who joined from Palmeiras for £29.6 million, marking an exciting start to City’s winter spending spree.
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At the international level, Khusanov has become a key figure for Uzbekistan, having earned 18 caps and played a pivotal role in helping the country qualify for its first-ever World Cup in 2026.
Prior to his move to Manchester City, he was also linked with a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but it was Pep Guardiola’s side that secured his signature, making him the first addition to City’s squad in the January window.
With Khusanov’s impressive sprinting capabilities and the promise of further development under Guardiola, Manchester City fans are eagerly anticipating how their new signing will perform when he takes to the pitch in the blue shirt.
The question remains: Can Khusanov continue to blaze a trail, potentially rewriting the rules of speed in the Premier League, or will Usain Bolt’s sprinting legacy remain unchallenged? Only time will tell.