Agent jokes that 25-year-old is in talks to join Manchester United for free

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Speculation over the future of FC Krasnodar star Ilzat Akhmetov is sparking plenty of headlines in Russia with his overworked agent joking that the midfielder is now in talks to join Premier League giants Manchester United.

Fortunately, Russian website MetaRatings are keen to point out that Akhmetov’s agent was speaking very much tongue-in-cheek.

As such, we can stray clear of the sort of pointless transfer saga mistranslations and out-of-context comments often bring about, suggestions that the 25-year-old Russia international could be on his way to Manchester United or Arsenal served up with a chuckle.

“We are currently negotiating with Arsenal and Manchester United!” Irakli Gegechkori smiles.

Ilzat Akhmetov’s contract is expiring

On more serious matters, however, Akhmetov does have a decision to make. The midfielder’s contract at Krasnodar is due to run out in July 2024.

“The contract expires in the summer, and we’ll talk in the summer,” the agent adds.

“Are we negotiating with Krasnodar? There are ten months until the end of the contract, it’s too early (to discuss fresh terms).  

“We don’t know what will happen in the world and in football in general during this time.”

Akhmetov, an attacking midfielder who can play on either flank, scored four goals and set up six more for Krasnodar in 2022/23.

While a new forward may be high on Man United’s wishlist – the Jadon Sancho saga potentially forcing Erik ten Hag into the market in the New Year – it goes without saying that the Red Devils will be setting their sights far higher than a 25-year-old free-agent plying his trade for the sixth-best team in the Russian Premier League.

Manchester United may need another forward

Antonio Nusa – the 18-year-old Club Brugge wonderkid who turned down Chelsea in August – is one player to keep a very close eye on.

According to reports, Man United are keen to watch the twinkle-toed teenager in the flesh. And, with a goal on his international debut this month, if Erling Haaland is the king of Norway, then Nusa is the young prince waiting to challenge for the crown.