Agent reacts as Manchester City eye new Manuel Neuer in Daniil Khudyakov

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The agent of Lokomotiv Moscow and Russia U21 goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov has played down suggestions that his client is on his way to Premier League champions Manchester City, speaking to MetaRatings. 

Back in November 2021, former Lokomotiv coach Markus Gisdol highlighted the similarities between his teenage shot-stopper and the World Cup-winning Bayern Munich icon Manuel Neuer. 

“Khudyakov has a lot of talent,” Gisdol explains. “Daniil reminds me of (Neuer) in some way. I am sure that, in the future, we will have a new number one goalkeeper. I think that soon he will be at a high level.” 

A now-19-year-old Khudyakov is not backing away from those comparisons either. The Russian up-and-comer, by his own admission, models his game on Neuer, taking inspiration from his ‘sweeper-keeper’ style.

If reports of Manchester City’s interest are true, it is likely Khudyakov’s Neuer-esque bravery and technical talents played a big part in catching their eye. A goalkeeper under Pep Guardiola, after all, is not merely a shot-stopper but an extra playmaker.

Will Manchester City sign Russia U21 ace Daniil Khudyakov?

Khudyakov’s agent, Vadim Shpinev, is not giving anything much just yet. 

“I have a lot of information that is not subject to publicity,” he says. “Information should be submitted when it is ready, discussed and all the facts are complete.

“Then you can share with someone else. The player, me and the third party should know about them. We are silent.”

Shipnev, however, does harbour hope that Khudyakov – who has spoken openly about his interest in a move to RB Leipzig – will make the step up to a major European club somewhere down the line.

“I do not know what will happen in the future, or whether Lokomotiv will receive an offer to transfer Khudyakov in the near future,” he adds. “But I hope that this will be possible.”

Khudyakov, a giant at 6ft 4ins, is a regular in the Lokomotiv XI these days despite the fact that he doesn’t even turn 20 until 2024.

“Talk about me being followed are reaching me,” the youngster adds, via Sport Express. “I know that I talked with my agent, but I don’t know what’s next. I won’t name the clubs (who want to sign me).”