Back in January 2019, it was clear that Rafa Benitez had one mission in mind – to bring MLS star Miguel Almiorn to St James’ Park.
It was a deal Mike Ashley seemed unlikely to sanction at one stage, but the move did materialise in the end, with the Paraguayan becoming our record signing (at the time) after completing a £20m deadline day move from Atlanta United.
He immediately added an injection of life to our previously one-paced attack, with his brilliant movement, incredible energy and ability to create space for Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez standing out.
However, his lack of goals or end product would soon become an issue, despite the fact he played a huge role in our superb end to the 2018/19 season.
He almost scored on his home debut against Huddersfield after bursting clean through and hitting the post after many in the Gallowgate believed he’d lobbed the goalkeeper. It was unlucky, yet it felt like a costly moment given what was about to follow.
Some feel his career on Tyneside could’ve taken off had that gone either side of the upright, as the South American endured a 25-game goal drought after that moment.
Fast forward a few years, he was in and out the team under Steve Bruce and a victim of his own versatility at times. If I am not mistaken, the former NUFC boss played him as a false 9, a number 10, down the left, down the right and even in a three-man midfield.
He thrived for a spell soon after Graeme Jones arrived, looking as good as he’d ever looked in a 4-3-1-2 formation that saw him operate in a free role behind two wide strikers. I remember him playing like a man possessed in our 3-2 win over Southampton – a game that saw us see out the victory with just NINE men.
With two goals, endless energy and pace to push back a Saints back line who didn’t know how to handle him, this was a glimpse of the Almiron Benitez wanted to sign so badly. Sadly, these performances were few and far between and his career on Tyneside has gone downhill ever since.
He hasn’t actually scored since that crazy game at St James’ Park, with him failing to register a single goal or assist this season.
In fact, he has only started three times under Eddie Howe – each time playing on the right wing in a position that doesn’t suit him – but I don’t blame our new boss for handing him so little game time.
For all his energy and endeavour, it feels like he just won’t make it in the Premier League and needs to be moved on this summer for everyone’s sake.
He’s not started for two months, has recently turned 28 – meaning he’s no spring chicken despite that baby face – and his final ball is sadly lacking. I’ve tried to defend him over the past 18 months, but it feels like he’s just not going to cut it.
After all, can we blame Howe for not giving regular game time to an attacking player who hasn’t registered a single goal or assist since this time last year?
Almiron’s agent, Daniel Campos, has never been shy to talk up a potential move away for his client and I fully expect him to find a move for the Paraguayan this summer.
Here’s his latest comments on the former MLS star:
“Miguel Almiron’s exit clause from Newcastle is close to $80million.
“In June we will see what the club says, I have interest from clubs in Spain and Italy.”
It’s safe to say no one will be activating that $80m (£60m) release clause, however I don’t see him being a Newcastle United player when the 2022/23 season kicks off.
Whether we stay up and spend big or suffer relegation, I think it would be a wise move for everyone’s sake if Almiron left for a new challenge this summer.
A wonderful squad player must be a joy to have around the place, full of energy and enthusiasm plays with a smile on his face, don’t feel as though he has shown the Premier League is the right place for him, either because he has not been given enough opportunity to play in his preferred position or he hasn’t got the physique to cope with the demands of the Premier League.
Whatever happens you would have to wish him well if he leaves as he always gives one hundred percent. I do think his agent is an agitating influence, and don’t think we would get our money back in todays climate.
Joseph(Quote)