Uncertainty is beginning to cloud Newcastle’s potential move for Miguel Almiron this week, as Atlanta United’s club president revealed his whopping price tag.
In an interview with The Mirror on Wednesday, Atlanta’s president Darren Eales implied that Newcastle would have to spend a minimum of $30million for the 24-year old.
With interest from a host of Premier League clubs, it’s no wonder Atlanta are looking to get their money’s worth.
But $30million is just shy of £24million and seems an excessive fee for the midfielder.
It would be a huge risk for Newcastle to spend that much considering he is unproven in Europe.
If they cannot drive the price down in their current talks, they should give up on signing the playmaker.
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Atlanta’s president on Almiron price
Speaking to The Mirror, Eales said of Almiron offers: “I will only get out of bed when it starts with a three.
“That is the sort of level it has to be for a player of his quality.
“It has got to be an offer that is going to be good for the player, good for the league and most importantly good for Atlanta United.”
Almiron is not a $30million player
Despite phenomenal stats in the US, Almiron is unlikely to replicate them elsewhere.
Just three years ago, the Paraguayan was playing for Lanus in the Argentinian First Division.
It’s only after transferring to the MLS that he found consistent success.
Given their position in the Premier League, Newcastle cant afford to spend £10million on unproven MLS stars, let alone £24million.
These are phenomenal players, with years of experience at the top level behind them. Almiron cannot offer that to Newcastle.
The Toon aren’t likely to spend £24million on any player, but Eales’ comments suggest Almiron is now a lost cause. Even if Newcastle could drive the price down, he would likely set them back at least £20million.
Given the amount of quality available in Europe for that price, it’s time for Newcastle to look elsewhere.
