Rafa Benitez has spoken out following the announcement of club record signing Miguel Almiron – believing we have finally signed a player with ‘pace’ who can deliver ‘goals AND assists’.
Rafa has also revealed just how focused and hungry is to do well, believing he could see this straight away after talking to the player today.
It’s been reported for months on end that the Paraguayan playmaker was Rafa’s top target heading into the January window, and not only has he now got his man, we have FINALLY broken our 14-year-old club record fee – with Almiron’s £21m arrival smashing the £17m deal that saw Michael Owen sign in 2005.
Here’s what Rafa’s had to say after Almiron’s move was announced in the last few moments:
“We were following Miguel Almirón for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists.
“We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League but he has the potential to do what we are expecting, and what we need.
“From talking to the lad, you can tell that he is really focussed and wants to do well. He wants to be successful and he wants to help the team, to score goals and give assists if it is possible.
“His impact in MLS has been really good – he’s been one of the best players this year – and hopefully he can give us more competition and more quality in the final third.
“I am pleased that the hard work behind the scenes has ended positively and I thank everyone for their efforts.”
A monunemtal moment for the club and a step in the right direction both on and off the pitch – even if we did leave it worryingly late!
Almiron is an unknown quantity in Europe’s top leagues, but he comes with a huge amount of praise and respect from just about every person you could possibly speak to in and around the MLS.
An exciting talent, but also a player with a great attitude and work ethic.
Welcome to the club Miguel!
Never thought we would sign anyone, hope this lad does well rafa rates him which is good enough, has ashley had a bang on the head lol ?
Geordie rob(Quote)
I’ve never been bothered about this “Transfer Record” that’s stood for so many years, I’d much rather sign a world class footballer for the price of a bag of chips but the crazy money in football these days doesn’t allow this, we desperately need bodies in the team and guys who can do a proper job, Rafas shrewd signings already with Scharr (who I said in the summer was a superb buy for the money) Fernandez (great signing) Ki (I also rated) and Rondon whom I honestly thought was a step backward to Joselu whom I don’t rate at all, Rondon now that he has settled and up to full fitness has been an absolute class asset to the team and would even say in this modern football world reminds me of Sir Lesley of Ferdinand with his power and strength, hope we can keep him, he will link brilliantly with Almiron as I see him playing the number 10 and not out wide as some reports say, think he will be great for the toon and will get bums off seats for the right reason….Now Charnley/Ashley let’s give Rafa some more tools for fixing his team and watch what could happen, he’s done it everywhere else he has been to so why not Newacstle….
Thumper76(Quote)
IMO last chance saloon for Ashley, he ran the great risk of massive loss if toon go down, with almost no chance of recovery, so what was spent is a drop in the ocean to his potential loss.
This is all great news, but more importantly, increased the chances of Rafa extending his contract.
If Rafa does well with added resource, may open Ashley’s eyes in what could be achieved given the resource, mind you, is that a pig I see flying !
Geordie exile(Quote)
Apparently Ashley has taken a loan out to buy a Almiron. Quite ridiculous really given all the cash the club generates! No doubt his PR goons will be praising our fantastic owner for breaking the clubs transfer record…after 12 years…and with the clubs money. Anyway, at least we have actually signed someone who will hopefully make a big difference in terms of goals scored. Will this be enough to keep Rafa, im not so sure.
Trenger(Quote)