Everton and Fulham are reportedly interested in a move for Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron, should the Paraguayan winger become available this summer.
According to Paraguayan journalist Roberto Rojas, Everton and Fulham are among the teams interested in signing Paraguayan speedster Miguel Almiron, who could depart Newcastle United in the summer.
Almiron arrived at St James’ Park with a lot of hype, as the Magpies shelled out a then-club record £20 million fee to sign him from MLS outfit Atlanta United in January 2019. While he became an instant hit among the Toon faithful for his endeavour, electrifying speed, unrelenting pressing and work rate, his goal contribution record suggests that he has failed to live up to the billing.
In three-and-a-half years at the club, he has scored 14 and notched five assists from 123 appearances in all competitions, demonstrating that his end product leaves a lot to be desired. This season, Almiron was on the periphery of the squad and had a quiet start under Eddie Howe, but owing to an injury to right-winger Ryan Fraser, he received a string of starts towards the end of the season.
Per Rojas, the Toon manager rates Almiron highly as a character, previously praising his positive attitude and claiming that he offers a different dimension to Newcastle’s attack. But the 28-year-old’s demands to play a major role for the Magpies in the next season may not be met, as the club are already in the market for attacking reinforcements, with Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta heavily linked with a move to Tyneside.
If Newcastle acquire a new wide player, it may come at the expense of Almiron, who is considered a sellable asset. Despite his inconsistent end product, it appears Almiron has no shortage of suitors, with clubs such as Everton, Fulham, Napoli, and Sevilla all sniffing around should Newcastle decide to part ways with the Paraguayan international.
Everton’s summer business is expected to be severely hampered by Financial Fair Play restrictions this summer, and the club may be forced to rely on bargain-basement signings if highly-coveted talents such as Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave the club.
Although the Paraguayan’s lack of end product should be a concern, Almiron possesses a number of qualities like his pace and dribbling ability. He is also a pure grafter, ranking in the top 10 percentile of attackers for tackles and pressures, which could help the Toffees stay clear of the relegation zone next season.
As far as Championship winners Fulham are concerned, they are looking to bolster a range of positions, with attacking midfield one among them following Fabio Carvalho’s exit to Liverpool. Almiron, to that end, fits the criteria for Marco Silva’s side if they make an approach for him, as he is naturally an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide if needed.
Almiron would bring valuable Premier League and relegation battle experience to Fulham, as well as bundles of energy to the field in whatever role Marco Silva chooses to use him in. It will be interesting to see if Everton or Fulham can land him from Newcastle come summer.