Newcastle United are eyeing Gamid Agalarov and Ufa’s general director has backed up reports claiming the Premier League side showed an interest in the January transfer window, speaking via Soccer RU.
There are certainly similarities that can be drawn between Agalarov and Newcastle’s number one striker target, Hugo Ekitike.
At just 21, the Russian youth international has exploded onto the scene during his maiden campaign of top-flight football, his fantastic form attracting interest from a club who, while boasting more money than King Croesus after a Lotto win, are continuing to prioritise young up-and-comers rather than put together a merry man of Gallowgate Galacticos.
With 18 goals in 24 starts, Agalarov is running away with the Golden Boot over in Russia. Not bad considering he’s leading the line for a relegation-threatened Ufa side who have scored just 25 times all season.
What’s more, Ufa will not stand in Agalarov’s way should Newcastle renew their interest (Sport24).
Newcastle want Gamid Agalarov
“It is in our prerogative that Hamid Agalarov progresses in another league. There is interest from European countries,” says general director Shamil Gazizov.
“It all depends on many factors that are beyond our control. Any offers? In January, there was interest from Premier League clubs.
“A player who scores 18 goals in an ‘outsider team’ is a unique case. All the scouts are following him. But now Hamid is only thinking about how to help Ufa keep a place in the RPL.”
There will be inevitable question marks surrounding the suitability of a man who has just one season of regular goalscoring under his belt. Especially when you consider that the gap between the Russian Premier League and it’s English equivalent is quite a large one.
West Ham fans will attest to that, after watching Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic toil following their arrivals from Moscow giants Spartak and CKSA.
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“Shamil Gazizov knows what he is talking about,” Agalarov’s father retorts, speaking to Bombadir.
“Is Hamid capable of playing in the Premier League or another European league? He has qualities.
“I won’t reveal a secret by saying that young players always dream of playing in a good league. This is normal.”
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