Newcastle United Near Sign Of Man City Defender

In the January 2025 transfer window Manchester City landed Uzbekistan centre‑back Abdukodir Khusanov from French club RC Lens in what was hailed as one of the eye‑catching winter moves of recent seasons. The Ligue 1 defender’s impressive displays drew interest from several top European clubs, but new information shows that only one side got close to sealing a deal. Newcastle United emerged as the club that came the closest to signing him before the January deadline.

Newcastle’s Near Miss for Abdukodir Khusanov

Gairat Khasbiullin, who represents Khusanov, has revealed that Newcastle held concrete talks to sign the player, a step beyond the exploratory interest shown by others. “Newcastle were the only club that ever reached the point of concrete talks,” Khasbiullin said, adding that the talks built a strong rapport. Newcastle were also the first to congratulate Khusanov on completing his move to Manchester City, a gesture that helped set the tone for a lasting connection.

The agent explained that, while clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Paris Saint‑Germain and even Real Madrid were linked to the youngster, none progressed beyond initial enquiries. “The others may have shown interest, but it never got to the point of concrete talks,” Khasbiullin noted. This distinction makes Newcastle’s near‑miss stand out in a crowded market.

Khasbiullin’s narrative also hints at a future tie‑up, as he mentioned that “someday a player from Uzbekistan will end up at Newcastle.” He described the friendly atmosphere of those talks, recalling that Newcastle staff even offered a season ticket for St James’ Park as a friendly gesture. The agent’s habit of maintaining relationships—sending holiday greetings and dinner invitations when he visits England—keeps the door open for any eventual move.

Khusanov’s Impact at Manchester City

Since arriving in 2025, Khusanov has quickly become a regular starter in Manchester City’s back line under director of football Hugo Viana. In his debut season he helped the side capture both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup, trophies that signal a player fully integrated into the club’s culture. New manager Enzo Maresca is currently assessing the defensive unit, and Khusanov’s early success suggests he is unlikely to be sidelined.

Although Maresca’s summer rebuild is still in progress, the club’s communication channels with Newcastle remain warm, thanks to Khasbiullin’s careful stewardship. “Whenever you’re planning to visit us, just give us a call in advance,” the agent quoted Newcastle as saying, underscoring the openness for any future dealings. Whether Khusanov stays at the Etihad Stadium or eventually follows the path hinted at by his agent, the Magpies will at least know they never truly moved on from a player they came closer to signing than anyone realized.