Just over a month ago, the agent of Russian poster boy Aleksandr Golovin confirmed that Newcastle were showing interest in the CSKA Moscow star – but a few weeks later and our chances of signing him are all but over after his outstanding start to the World Cup.
The 22-year-old has been on one of CSKA’s star men, bagging 6 goals and 5 assists last season, however his performances during Russia’s opening two games of the World Cup have really caught the eye.
He scored a free-kick and laid on two assists in there opening day win over Saudi Arabia and has just helped them to a convincing 3-1 win over Egypt – a result which has all but guaranteed them a place in the knockout stages.
As a result of his recent rise to stardom, the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Juventus are all believed to be all pushing to sign him this summer, practically ending our already-slim hopes of signing him.
Here’s what his agent said about his future back on April 30th, admitting that ourselves and Southampton were the only clubs showing interest:
“He needs to leave. As far as I know, there are offers from Premier League clubs but not from the Top 6.
“I know that Southampton and Newcastle are showing an interest but he has a contract with CSKA.”
How things have changed all thanks to an outstanding start to this summer’s World Cup.
In fairness, we were probably never all that likely to sign him anyway given our reluctance to spend anything above £12m, however it could be another tough one to take for Rafa.
Based on his agents comments and his performances so far in Russia, he could’ve been the perfect signing to give us some quality and class from the number 10 role, but we’ve well and truly missed the boat.
This is what happens if you don’t get your business done early, Mike!
#NUFC will seriously live to regret not getting a deal for Golovin done pre-World Cup. Agent confirmed our interest back in April & he's since gone and smashed it up in Russia. Big clubs now queuing up to sign him.
Probably never realistic, but another painful reminder to Rafa.. https://t.co/aE0CSbfAXu
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) June 19, 2018
One more year of Rafa-inspired joy, then NUFC heads to the abyss. Gotta love it while we can – Rafa still be able to make the sun peep out from behind the clouds, occassionally, …perhaps even at the 11th hour of the transfer window (we hope and pray 😕 )
Peter(Quote)