Man City move to secure future with new long-term deals for Doku and Khusanov

Manchester City are in advanced talks to hand long-term contract extensions to Jeremy Doku and Abduqodir Khusanov as the Premier League champions accelerate plans to lock in the core of a new-look squad under manager Enzo Maresca.

The negotiations come less than 24 hours after City officially announced that England star Phil Foden had signed a new deal keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2030.

According to The Athletic, City are close to agreeing new contracts with winger Doku and defender Khusanov that would run until 2031, extending their stays by several years and signalling the club’s intention to build around a younger generation following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

Central to Maresca’s ‘new project’

Both Doku and Khusanov are described as pivotal pieces in Maresca’s “new project” at City, with the Italian taking over this summer after Guardiola ended his decade-long spell in charge.

Maresca, who previously worked within City Football Group and at Leicester City, has been tasked with evolving the side that dominated English football under Guardiola, while maintaining their status as contenders for domestic and European honours.

Securing long-term commitments from Doku and Khusanov is seen inside the club as a major step towards refreshing the team without losing competitiveness, alongside the already-confirmed extension for Foden.

Khusanov’s rapid rise in defence

Khusanov joined Manchester City from French club Lens in January 2025 and quickly became a key figure in the back line.

The central defender capitalised on injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to force his way into the starting XI, using that opportunity to establish himself as a reliable option in City’s defensive rotation.

His performances since arriving at the Etihad have reportedly convinced City’s hierarchy that he should be tied down for the long term, with a deal to 2031 now under discussion.

Doku’s importance grows season on season

At the other end of the pitch, Doku has become one of City’s most influential attacking players since his arrival.

The Belgian international has featured in more than 40 matches in each of his three seasons with Manchester City, underlining both his durability and importance to the squad.

His pace, direct dribbling and ability to unsettle defences have added a different dimension to City’s attack, and the club is keen to ensure he remains part of their plans deep into the next decade.

Building beyond the Guardiola era

Guardiola’s departure after 10 years at the Etihad marked the end of a historic era in which City won multiple Premier League titles and established themselves as a European powerhouse.

The swift move to extend Foden’s stay, followed by advanced talks with Doku and Khusanov, suggests a clear strategy from the club’s hierarchy: to secure the spine of the team early in Maresca’s reign and avoid uncertainty around key players.

While no official announcement has yet been made on Doku or Khusanov’s new contracts, the advanced stage of negotiations indicates City are confident of reaching agreements that will keep both players in Manchester until at least 2031.