Russian Premier League Golden Boot winner Gamid Agalarov ‘will leave’ FC Ufa amid interest from Newcastle United, the club’s general director Shamil Gazizov tells Sport24.
Despite boasting the country’s most prolific number nine, Ufa still couldn’t stave off the threat of relegation.
They will be a second-tier team in 2022/23, suffering the same fate that befell Rubin Kazan and Arsenal Tula after suffering a heart-breaking defeat to Orenburg during last month’s relegation play-off.
And, with that, their hopes of retaining Agalarov went up in a cloud of foul-smelling smoke.
According to Sport24, the Russia U21 international caught the eye of Newcastle United during a prolific breakthrough season in the RPL. A tally of 19 goals in 27 starts earned Agalarov the Golden Boot; Some feat, given that he was plying his trade not for a Zenit, a Spartak or a CSKA but for a team treading water at the other end of the table.
“Hamid will leave the team,” admits Gazizov, who recently confirmed Premier League interest in Ufa’s prized asset.
“His transfer fee is twice the market value.”
Will Newcastle United sign Gamid Agalarov as well as Hugo Ekitike?
Gazizov has already refuted claims that Agalarov would be available for around £10 million, though Ural’s relegation certainly dents their hopes of bringing in a substantial fee for one of the most coveted footballers in Russia.
“The president of the club says that Hamid will leave,” adds Agalarov’s father.
“Hamid has a valid contract. We cannot say whether we have other career options or not, whether we are in contact with someone or not. All questions should now be addressed to Shamil Gazizov.
“What is the priority; (A move to) Europe or (staying in the) RPL? A good club is a priority.”
Agalarov, who scored 20 goals in all competitions, is not the most high-profile of Newcastle’s summer targets. But if the Magpies are determined to make St James’ Park home to some of the most exciting, promising youngsters on the market – such as Hugo Ekitike, Carlos Daniel and Sven Botman – then Agalarov certainly ticks a lot of boxes.
According to RMC Sport, Newcastle could finally seal the signing of Ekitike in the coming days. A £30 million fee has been agreed with Ligue 1 outfit Reims.
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