The real reason Newcastle United lost out on Abdukodir Khusanov, it’s not just because of Manchester City

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Mitchell is yet to make a major signing as Newcastle United sporting director.

Ever since his arrival at Newcastle United, it has been a difficult period in terms of recruitment.

PSR has stopped Paul Mitchell bringing many players in, with Will Osula the only senior player to arrive. He is a project player, and Newcastle know Osula is raw. Hopefully he continues to develop, but he is a long way away from being the finished article.

Elsewhere, Paul Mitchell pushed to sign Vakhtang Salia. The Georgian teenager will officially become a Newcastle United player in August when he turns 18.

However, Mitchell is yet to make a signing at Newcastle that will make other clubs stand up and take note. That is because of PSR, but it appears that the former Monaco chief was actually pretty close to a breakthrough earlier this month.

Newcastle United were ‘close’ to signing Abdukodir Khusanov before Manchester City

Newcastle United’s interest in Abdukodir Khusanov is well documented.

The Uzbekistan international was a man in demand, with Newcastle holding talks with Khusanov.

However, Khusanov has now joined Manchester City. He is part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, with the Premier League champions investing heavily during the January window.

Man City have landed a real star of the future in Khusanov, but it was very nearly Newcastle who struck a deal.

That is according to Khusanov’s agent Gairat Khasbiullin, who has told Championat that Newcastle United almost landed the 20-year-old ahead of Man City.

“Newcastle was very close to the deal,” he said.

“They even remained one of the favourites, 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.”

PSR holds Newcastle back as Paul Mitchell misses out on two transfers

Khusanov’s agent has said that Newcastle United did not have enough time to complete a deal, with financial issues proving to be an issue.

Perhaps that is because the Magpies had not received assurances that money would be coming into the club, as at one point in time it was unclear whether Miguel Almiron would leave.

Now he is set to depart, with Almiron due to re-sign for Atlanta United in a £10million deal.

That will help Newcastle’s PSR position, but it is unlikely to lead to any reinforcements arriving. The club obviously saw an opportunity with Khusanov, but it passed them by.

That is also the case with Juma Bah. He was a target for the Magpies, but is now on course to sign for Manchester City. Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle were furious about missing out on Bah, having felt they were in pole position to land the 18-year-old defender.

While this has been a very quiet January transfer window, Newcastle have at least been trying to do business behind the scenes. However, it feels more and more likely that there will not be any incomings.