‘Very close’ – Agent confirms Newcastle United talks for £33M star

Newcastle United narrowly missed out on signing Abdukodir Khusanov, with his agent revealing the Magpies were front-runners before the defender ultimately joined Manchester City.

The Premier League champions announced the 20-year-old’s arrival earlier this week as part of a mid-season rebuild that also included Vitor Reis and Omar Marmoush. This transfer comes during a challenging campaign for City, with their hopes of securing the Premier League title fading and their Champions League ambitions hanging by a thread after a 3-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite Manchester City’s current struggles, the acquisition of Khusanov has been viewed as a significant coup. The young defender’s talent and potential had made him a prime target for Newcastle, who had actively pursued his signature.

However, as revealed by Khusanov’s agent, Gairat Khasbiullin, financial constraints and timing issues ultimately prevented the Magpies from completing the deal. This revelation adds to the frustration of Newcastle supporters, who had hoped to see the promising defender bolster their squad.

Khasbiullin shed light on the transfer saga, explaining how close Newcastle came to securing Khusanov’s services. He stated, “Newcastle were very close to the deal. They remained one of the favourites to sign him and were the last to leave the race with City.

However, financial fair play regulations played a role, and time was not on their side. If they had made an offer earlier, perhaps an agreement could have been reached. City’s persistent pressure on Lens made it challenging for Newcastle to present a comparable offer. Additionally, the French club needed the funds, which influenced their decision.”

Khusanov himself cited the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola as a pivotal factor in his decision to join Manchester City. Speaking about his move, he expressed excitement about learning from one of football’s most respected managers and playing alongside some of the best players in the world.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time,” Khusanov said. “This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them. And of course, Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever, and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.”

For Newcastle, the failed pursuit of Khusanov highlights the challenges they face in navigating financial fair play regulations while competing with Europe’s elite clubs.

The Magpies have made significant progress in recent years under Eddie Howe’s management, transforming from relegation candidates into Champions League contenders. However, this transfer saga underscores the limitations that still exist, particularly when competing against clubs with greater financial muscle and established reputations.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s ability to secure Khusanov reflects their continued pull as a destination for top talent, even during a season that has fallen below their usual standards. The defender’s arrival is part of a broader strategy to rebuild and rejuvenate their squad, ensuring they remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.

Guardiola’s reputation as a coach who develops players undoubtedly played a significant role in convincing Khusanov to choose City over other suitors.

While Newcastle fans may lament missing out on Khusanov, the Magpies remain in a strong position to build on their recent success. Their rise in English football has been remarkable, and their ability to compete for players of Khusanov’s caliber demonstrates how far they have come. With a clear vision and continued investment, Newcastle’s trajectory remains promising.

As for Khusanov, his decision to join Manchester City represents a significant step in his career. The chance to work under Guardiola and play alongside some of the game’s biggest stars provides him with an ideal environment to develop and fulfill his potential. His signing is a testament to City’s ability to attract top talent, even in a season where they face considerable challenges.

Ultimately, this transfer saga serves as a reminder of the complexities and competitiveness of the modern transfer market. For Newcastle, it’s a lesson in timing and resource allocation.

For Manchester City, it’s a reinforcement of their status as one of football’s most appealing destinations. And for Khusanov, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter under one of the sport’s most iconic managers.