Newcastle United have been tipped to sign a player from Uzbekistan in the future as they continue to widen their recruitment scope under sporting director Ross Wilson. The Magpies have signed players from Netherlands, Germany, France and Ecuador this summer after Wilson hinted back in December that they would target moves for younger players outside of the Premier League because they represented greater value.
Scouting network expands globally
Newcastle have appointed scouts in central Europe and South America to help drive that recruitment process but one hotbed they have been tipped to mine is Uzbekistan. The Asian country, which boasts a population of 39 million people, qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their history this summer and they have a steady stream of talent coming through, with their under-17 side reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup three years ago.
The arrival of Uzbekistan international defender Abdukodir Khusanov in the Premier League last season really put the country on the map in terms of an English audience, though, as he left French side Lens to join Manchester City. Newcastle had been monitoring Khusanov's performances for a while and had held talks with his agent Gairat Khasbiullin over a deal. In the end, Khusanov joined City, but Khasbiullin insists he maintains a good relationship with the club and has predicted an Uzbek player will make the move to St James' Park in the future.
Agent reveals warm relationship with Newcastle
"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. We maintain a warm relationship with them. I think that someday a player from Uzbekistan will end up at Newcastle."
"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."
Khusanov's success at Manchester City
Khusanov has since gone on to make 47 appearances for City, helping Pep Guardiola's side win both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup last season in his first full term in English football. Newcastle's interest in Uzbek talent remains, and with the country's growing football profile, a future signing from the region appears increasingly likely.
