Man City in advanced talks to extend Doku and Khusanov contracts to 2031

Manchester City are in advanced negotiations to hand long-term contract extensions to Jeremy Doku and Abduqodir Khusanov as the Premier League champions accelerate plans to secure the core of their future squad.

The move comes immediately after City formally announced on Wednesday that Phil Foden has extended his deal at the Etihad Stadium until 2030.

According to The Athletic, City are working on new agreements that would keep winger Doku and defender Khusanov at the club until 2031, in what is seen as a key step in reshaping the team under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Both players are regarded as central to Maresca’s new project following the departure of Pep Guardiola, who left the club this summer after a decade in charge and delivering an era of unprecedented success.

Core of Maresca’s new-look City

Maresca, appointed as Guardiola’s successor, is understood to view Doku and Khusanov as foundational pieces of his long-term tactical plan.

Doku, the explosive Belgian international, has rapidly become one of the most influential figures in City’s attack. Since arriving at the Etihad, he has featured in more than 40 matches in each of his three seasons with the club, underlining both his importance and his durability in a demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions.

Khusanov, meanwhile, has emerged as a surprise success story in City’s defensive line.

After joining from French side Lens in January 2025, the Uzbekistan international quickly established himself as a reliable option at the back. His rise was accelerated by injuries to senior centre-backs Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, and he seized the opportunity to stake a strong claim for a regular starting role.

City’s hierarchy now appear determined to reward both players with deals that reflect their growing status and to remove any doubts about their long-term futures.

Strategic push to lock in key talent

The talks with Doku and Khusanov are part of a broader strategic push by Manchester City to lock in their most important assets for the next phase of the club’s development.

The fresh commitment from Foden until 2030 underscored City’s intent to build around a core group of players still entering or approaching their peak years. Extending Doku and Khusanov to 2031 would further reinforce that strategy, providing Maresca with continuity as he transitions the squad from the Guardiola era.

While Manchester City have not yet made any official announcement regarding the pair, the advanced nature of the negotiations suggests the club is confident of reaching agreements.

Should the extensions be finalised, City would have three of their key figures – Foden, Doku and Khusanov – tied to long-term contracts, greatly strengthening the club’s position both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

Rebuilding after Guardiola

Guardiola’s exit after 10 years at the Etihad marks the end of one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football. Maresca’s challenge is not only to maintain City’s domestic and European ambitions but also to refresh and evolve a squad that has been shaped in Guardiola’s image.

Securing the futures of dynamic, high-potential players such as Doku and Khusanov appears central to that mission.

With Foden’s renewal already confirmed and further extensions reportedly close, Manchester City are signalling that, even in a period of transition, they intend to remain firmly at the forefront of the European game.