Newcastle United’s in-form winger Miguel Almiron is reportedly in the sights of La Liga giants Atletico Madrid following his recent goal-scoring exploits.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Newcastle United’s current season top-scorer, Miguel Almiron has emerged on the radar of La Liga giants Atletico Madrid as they scour the market for a player capable of replacing club-record signing Joao Felix.
The 28-year-old is finally looking every bit the player Newcastle expected him to be when they paid a then club-record £21 million fee for his services from MLS side Atlanta United almost four years ago.
The Paraguayan has since established himself as a pivotal figure and has been a mainstay, racking up over 130 competitive appearances for the Magpies in the last four years. While his relentless pressing, selfless defensive work rate, and commitment to his team’s cause have never been in question, the end product and goals have more often than not eluded him.
In truth, he was underconfident in front of the goal and just could not hit a barn door with a banjo. That is not the case anymore. Almiron has become the latest Newcastle player to undergo a fascinating transformation under Eddie Howe, and he is now silencing his doubters by scoring wonder goals every single weekend.
He has been in stunning form for Newcastle this season, scoring seven times, including six in his last six appearances, already surpassing his best-ever Premier League tally. This has led to talks about a potential contract extension as a reward for his improved form, which is clearly one of the significant driving factors behind the Tynesiders’ unlikely top-four push so far this season.
As per a recent report from the Telegraph, Newcastle are eager to tie down their key players to long-term contracts, and Almiron is certainly one of them. The Paraguayan’s current contract at the Premier League club runs in the summer of 2024. He could be offered a wage increase and a two-year extension.
Needless to say, his stellar goalscoring form is starting to turn heads on the continent. Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs monitoring the 28-year-old as a potential successor to wantaway star Joao Felix, who has recently fallen out of favour under the Argentine boss.
Napoli’s breakout star, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has been mentioned as Atletico Madrid hierarchy’s top target and could be on the move next summer.
However, Almiron is being viewed as a low-cost, high-return alternative, with an understanding that the Paraguayan’s speed and impeccable work ethic would suit El Cholo’s battle-hardened philosophy at the Colchoneros. It will be interesting to see whether Atletico will make a play for the in-form Newcastle playmaker in the upcoming transfer window.
