Monaco star Aleksandr Golovin was not interested in joining West Ham United or Everton but felt far more positively about a potential switch to Premier League rivals Newcastle United at the start of 2022.
That is according to Alexander Klyuev; the Russia international’s agent.
Golovin, who shot to fame after the 2018 World Cup on home soil, is in the form of his life across the Channel, contributing seven goals and eight assists to the Monegasque cause as Monaco look to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
There is a chance that Golovin could come up against Newcastle in Europe’s elite club competition next term. The Magpies, Klyuev points out, tried to lure the former CKSA Moscow talisman to St James’ Park around 15 months ago.
Aleksandr Golovin was ‘ready’ to discuss Newcastle United move
“There was serious interest from Newcastle at the very beginning of 2022,” the agent tells Championat. “There was an offer. We were ready to discuss it if the clubs agreed.
“We understood that Newcastle, given the arrival of serious investors, is an interesting prospect.”
Golovin opted to stay at the Stade Louis II. Newcastle could still return for the 26-year-old; A creative midfielder – a la Leicester City’s James Maddison – reportedly high on Eddie Howe’s summer wishlist.
Golovin, Kyluev adds, also had interest from West Ham and Everton in previous windows. At the time, however, neither the Hammers nor the Toffees were in a position where they were capable of making Golovin’s European dreams come true.
“At different times, West Ham and Everton were testing the ground,” the agent adds. “But ‘Sasha’ wanted to join a club that plays in European competitions.
“There is a desire to play at the maximum level.”
Golovin, labelled a ‘genius’ after inspiring Monaco’s recent 3-1 hammering of Paris Saint-Germain, could be on the move this summer if Philippe Clement’s side fail to secure a spot in Ligue 1’s top three, therefore missing out on the promised land of the Champions League.
“Golovin is a very good player,” says former Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal, who came up against the Russian at Angers. “I like his playing style. I hope he has a great season at Monaco.
“He can play for clubs of the level of Liverpool or Chelsea, because he has a huge potential.”
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