Uzbek on the threshold of “Manchester City”

The future of Abdukodir Khusanov has become clearer, with the Uzbek defender on the verge of a Premier League move. Meanwhile, Uzbek players in Iran have extended their contracts with their respective clubs. Eldor Shomurodov, however, is close to leaving Roma. While the Uzbek national team has not yet qualified for the World Cup, the country’s media team has achieved this feat, with their debut at the World Cup just around the corner.

Assalamu Alaikum. QALAMPIR.UZ presents the Sports Digest featuring the most important events that took place in the world of sports in the first week of the new year.

Member of the Uzbek MTC extends contract with Iranian club

Jaloliddin Masharipov, a player for the Uzbekistan national team and the Iranian club “Istiqlal,” has signed a new two-year contract with the Persian team, according to a statement from the club's press service.

The new deal, which will keep Masharipov at “Istiqlal” until 2027, comes after reports of interest from "Neftchi" Fergana. However, Masharipov opted to remain with his current club. 

Masharipov joined “Istiqlal” in 2023, and this season, he has played 21 matches in all competitions, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists. The 31-year-old attacking midfielder is valued at 1.80 million euros on "Transfermarkt".

New suitor for Eldor Shomurodov

Eldor Shomurodov, the striker for Uzbekistan and Roma, is reportedly close to moving to Empoli, according to journalist Fabrizio Di Marzio’s post on X.

Shomurodov is not part of "Roma" coach Claudio Ranieri's plans, and as a result, the club is looking to sell him in the winter transfer window. "Empoli" is the primary suitor for the 29-year-old forward.

Shomurodov joined "Roma" in 2021, with a contract running until 2026. This season, he has appeared in 13 games across all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist.

Abdukodir Khusanov named in the symbolic team of the French championship

Abdukodir Khusanov, the defender for the Uzbekistan national team and Lens, has been named to the symbolic team of the French championship for the first half of the season, as reported by the league's press service.

Khusanov was included in the defensive lineup, which also featured PSG defenders Achraf Hakimi, William Pacho, and Nuno Mendes.

The 20-year-old central defender joined "Lens" in 2023 and has played 16 games across all competitions this season, registering 1 assist. Khusanov’s market value is currently set at 12 million euros on "Transfermarkt".

Abdukodir Khusanov may move to the Premier League in January

Abdukodir Khusanov, the Uzbek national team player and central defender for Lens, could make a move to Manchester City in the upcoming winter transfer window, as reported by insider Fabrizio Romano on his X page.

According to Romano, Khusanov is included in Manchester City's plans for January, with several top clubs expressing interest in the 20-year-old defender, who is regarded as one of the most talented central defenders in the world. Manchester City is closely monitoring the situation.

Khusanov has also won the admiration of Manchester City fans. 

"Abdukodir is a great defender. He reminds me of Vidic, Maldini, and Pepe. Khusanov can easily play in any part of the defense," said a Manchester City fan.

Inoue agrees to fight Akhmadaliev

Japanese undisputed world champion in the second light heavyweight category, Naoya Inoue, has agreed to fight Uzbek Murodjon Akhmadaliev. The announcement was made by Inoue's promoter, Bob Arum.

Arum confirmed that after Inoue's fight with Sam Goodman on January 24, Naoya will defend his WBC belt against Alan Picasso in Las Vegas in May or June.

Following that, Inoue will take on former world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev. The fight is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia later this year or in early 2026.

MMA may be banned in Kyrgyzstan

Kamchibek Tashiev, head of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan, has called for a ban on mixed martial arts (MMA) in the country. He made the remarks during a live broadcast on social media.

Tashiev argued that MMA promotes the wrong message to young people, suggesting that success in life can be achieved through fighting, force, or violence.

“MMA is not a sport, but a type of wrestling. Such competitions give young people the wrong idea that success can be achieved through force and aggression. We need to raise a generation that relies on education and science,” said Tashiev.

He also emphasized that MMA is dangerous, not only for moral standards but also for health. Tashiev pointed out that many MMA participants are left disabled by the age of 40.

Tashiev called on athletes and young people to engage in wrestling instead, which is an Olympic sport supported at the state level and promotes physical development.

Furthermore, Tashiev stressed that Kyrgyzstan should focus on its own values and priorities, rejecting the popularity of martial arts from other countries. According to Tashiev, such practices are not in line with Islamic principles, as MMA involves violence and harm to others.