‘Very close’ - Agent confirms Newcastle United talks for £33m star

The Premier League champions confirmed the 20-year-old’s signing earlier this week. He arrived at the Etihad alongside Vitor Reis and Omar Marmoush as part of a mid-season rebuild.

Man City have dropped off in 2024-25, with a Premier League title beyond them. They are also at risk of being dumped from the Champions League following their 3-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, signing Khusanov was viewed as a coup, with City pipping Newcastle to his signature. Revelations will frustrate Toon fans further as his agent, Gairat Khasbiullin, discussed how financial restrictions stopped the Magpies from striking a deal.

NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here

“Newcastle were very close to the deal,” he said. “They even remained one of the favourites (to sign him), and then was the last to leave the race with City. As far as I understand, financial fair play also had an impact. 

“Well, they didn’t have enough time. Perhaps if they had made an offer earlier, they would have had time to come to an agreement. Then City put so much pressure on Lens that it was difficult to make a comparable offer. It was also influenced by the fact that the French needed this money.”

Khusanov highlighted Pep Guardiola as a key reason behind his ultimate decision. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time. 

“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.”