Get this: Abdukodir Khusanov, that rock-solid Manchester City centre-back, was *way* closer to landing at Newcastle United than anyone truly knew! His agent, Gairat Khasbiullin, just broke the silence, confirming those concrete talks that almost saw the Uzbekistan international skip the Etihad entirely. This isn't just some rumor or exploratory chat, folks. We're talking substantive negotiations that established a "great rapport" between the Magpies and Khusanov’s camp, a relationship that actually deepened even after he moved to City in January 2025.
The Magpies Were Inches Away From Their Man
Can you believe it? Khusanov, who joined Man City from French club RC Lens, was on a lot of radars. Reports at the time linked Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain with interest in the guy. But Khasbiullin spilled the tea, stating only Newcastle progressed past mere interest to "concrete talks." The others? "It never got to the point of concrete talks," he said. That means Newcastle’s management was seriously, seriously pursuing this talent, making them the real front-runner among the clubs that didn't ultimately land him. He’s gone on to become a regular starter for City, establishing himself in their defense under the management structures overseen by director of football Hugo Viana, which just makes you wonder what could have been for the Magpies!More Than Just Business: A Lasting Connection
What's truly wild about this whole situation is the goodwill that emerged from those nearly-successful negotiations. Khasbiullin confirmed Newcastle’s management earned his respect, and get this, they were the *first* to congratulate him on Khusanov’s move to Man City. How cool is that? The agent elaborated, saying they maintain "a warm relationship" with Newcastle. He even hinted at a future, telling Sport Express that he thinks "someday a player from Uzbekistan will end up at Newcastle." It really shows Khasbiullin’s approach to the game: building solid relationships, even when a deal doesn’t pan out. He’s out there sending holiday greetings and dinner invites when he’s in England. Talk about playing the long game!Future Moves And Lingering Possibilities
So, what does this all mean now? Khusanov's future at the Etihad is actually a subject of "ongoing assessment" as new manager Enzo Maresca evaluates every member of his inherited squad. He’s a regular starter, but a new boss always means eyes on everyone. And for Newcastle, knowing they were that close to a player who's now a City mainstay, and that they built such a great connection with his agent, tells you a lot about their transfer strategy and their long-term vision. Keep your eyes peeled, because that "great rapport" might just open the door for another exciting talent from Uzbekistan to land at St. James' Park down the line.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.