Newcastle United
Abdukodir Khusanov’s agent has revealed Newcastle United made a serious attempt to sign the Manchester City defender.
The Uzbekistan international spent his youth career with FC Bunyodkor and left them from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU in 2022. A year later, he left them for RC Lens.
His fine displays for the Ligue 1 had caught the attention of Newcastle United, Manchester City and other clubs.
Concrete interest from Newcastle United
Sport-Express have published a detailed interview with the centre-back’s agent, Gairat Khasbiullin, to discuss his career. This includes the 22-year-old’s transfer to Manchester City in January 2025.
The outlet put it to the agent that prior to his move to Manchester City, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly keen. They asked which of these links were true.
When responding to that, Khasbiullin reveals the Magpies’ reaction to missing out on Abdukodir Khusanov to the Etihad club.
“Newcastle. The others may have shown interest, just like many other teams. It never got to the point of concrete talks,” he said.
“But we established a great rapport with the Magpies. I have great respect for their management, and they were the first to congratulate us on Khusanov’s move to City.”
Close ties with Newcastle United
Abdukodir Khusanov’s agent Gairat Khasbiullin spoke further about his connection with Newcastle United.
He’s in regular contact with Eddie Howe’s side, who were disappointed to miss out on his client. The representative is hopeful tof taking an Uzbek player to St James’ Park.
“We maintain a warm relationship with them. I think that someday a player from Uzbekistan will end up at Newcastle,” Khasbiullin explained.
“In general, I try to get along well with everyone I’ve negotiated with, sending holiday greetings and congratulations on important victories. When I travel to England, we have dinner together.
“Yes, that deal didn’t go through, but they really wanted him [Khusanov], and no one held a grudge. They say: whenever you’re planning to visit us, just give us a call in advance, and a box at St. James’ Park is at your disposal. I have the same kind of relationship with Lens and PSG.”
The defender has been a regular at Manchester City and won the EFL Cup and the FA Cup last season. Despite that, Newcastle United fans can be forgiven for thinking Khusanov and the Magpies may still have a future, given those brilliant connections.
Key points on Khusanov and Newcastle United
Genuine Magpies attempt to sign defender
Would likely have been successful if it wasn’t for Manchester City
Given the defender is 22, plenty of time for Newcastle in future
Agent connections give NUFC a route into Uzbek market
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— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 9, 2026