After months of speculation and rumors flying all over the internet, Miguel Almiron has officially signed with Newcastle United for a reported MLS record $27 million.
The attacking midfielder joined Atlanta United as a promising young talent with standout performances for both the Paraguay National Team and Lanus. His time in Atlanta forced open Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s wallet, as he garnered the highest transfer fee paid by the club for a player.
We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Miguel Almirón from @ATLUTD.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 31, 2019
The 24-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at St. James' Park until June 2024.
Full story: https://t.co/5NxxCEHhNx #NUFC pic.twitter.com/a5MV5QBTum
While Almiron followed the call of “quiero contar contigo” when Tata Martino asked him to join the Five Stripes, he will have a much different challenge in front of him with the Magpies. Fresh off of their win against Manchester City, Newcastle sits five points out of the relegation zone, but have only scored 21 goals in 24 games. In obvious need of scoring, Miggy should feature prominently in Rafa Benitez’s team.
His transfer opens up the needed Designated Player slot that Atlanta needed upon signing Pity Martinez. It will also give the team more financial resources to further invest in the club.
**Update: In a release from Newcastle, Almiron stated, “I’m very happy and eager to start and to meet my new team mates,” Almirón told NUFC TV. ”The league is very competitive, this is a historic club, and Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now.”
For his part, Benetiz seemed happy with the acquisition noting, “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.”
The other United involved in the transfer noted that the transfer fee was a record for MLS, but wouldn’t put an exact figure on the fee paid.
#ATLUTD breaks MLS Transfer record, Almirón officially signs with Newcastle United
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 31, 2019
DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/pe9287PF5d pic.twitter.com/KK02XhVVjz
Club President Darren Eales thanked Miguel for his commitment and excellent play for the club in a statement and said, “This is also a landmark day for Atlanta United,” said Eales. “We not only shattered the league transfer fee record, but gave proof of concept for our original club model of signing top young players and giving them a chance to thrive and develop.”
The change in clubs will also bring a new number for the talisman as the number 24 will adorn Almiron in the Premier League.