Newcastle United will reportedly demand around £15 million to cash in on out-of-favour Paraguayan playmaker Miguel Almiron.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are reportedly planning to offload Miguel Almiron this summer as they look to revamp Eddie Howe’s squad at St James’ Park. The Magpies intend to part ways with Almiron during the upcoming summer transfer window, and they are willing to sell him at a loss to attract several suitors as they look to create space on the roster and reduce their wage bill.
With Premier League survival looking likely, the new owners would want to show their ambition and make a major statement of intent. The Newcastle hierarchy are eager to further invest in the squad in the summer. And upgrading on under-performing players like Almiron appears to be part of a strategy to overhaul to take the club to the next level.
Almiron was Newcastle’s record signing when they signed him from Atlanta United in January 2019 for a deal worth £21 million. The Paraguayan playmaker quickly became a fan favourite at St. James’ Park owing to his buzzing presence and tireless work rate on the pitch. However, his tenure on Tyneside has been overshadowed by a lack of output and poor end-product.
To date, the 27-year-old has made 115 appearances for Newcastle, racking up a mere tally of 13 goals and five assists. Despite this, he was a regular fixture under Rafael Benitez and Steve Bruce. However, he has struggled to establish himself as a nailed-on starter under Eddie Howe and has only made five of 18 possible starts.
While his effort and endeavour have never been in doubt, it is his lack of end-product that is letting him down big-time. He has failed to score a goal or provide an assist so far this season. Now, it looks that this will be his final season at Newcastle.
The Paraguayan playmaker has not done enough during his time in England to garner interest from other Premier League clubs, meaning Newcastle will have to look to Europe to try and find an apt solution for the player.
Spanish outfit Real Betis have recently expressed interest in the Newcastle ace, and that appears to be a move suited for all parties involved. Los Verdiblancos are flying high in La Liga under the tutelage of Manuel Pellegrini and are regularly contesting for European places.
The 28-year-old is contracted with the Tyneside-outfit until the summer of 2024. The Magpies are open to proposals and are willing to take a hit on their initial investment with a £15 million fee expected to be sufficient to prise the Paraguayan playmaker away from St. James’ Park.. Whether Newcastle can find a buyer for Almiron come summer remains to be seen.