Miguel Almiron left Newcastle United to return to Atlanta United in the January transfer window.
The Paraguayan spent six memorable years on Tyneside, scoring 30 goals in 223 appearances. Fans will never forget his sensational goalscoring run that helped the Magpies return to the Champions League after 20 years away.
Miguel Almiron’s transfer to Atlanta United was an emotional one for all involved, with emotional scenes at Newcastle’s training ground when he said his goodbyes.
Newcastle United are now short on the right wing without him, with Jacob Murphy acting as a lone ranger for the rest of the season – he has done a good job in the circumstances.
Almiron played his part in helping the Magpies reach the Carabao Cup final this season as well, playing in four games including the semi-final first leg win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The latter stages of his Newcastle career were less memorable, scoring just three goals last season and barely getting a run out in Eddie Howe’s side in the 2024/25 campaign before leaving.
With the Paraguayan enjoying life in new surroundings, he has shared exactly why Howe was the right person to take the reins as Newcastle’s manager.
Miguel Almiron’s high praise for Eddie Howe
The seasons before Howe arrived were subpar on Tyneside, Almiron suffered from Steve Bruce’s lethargic management style which meant he barely found the net. He had shown glimpses of promise under Rafa Benitez, who signed him for a then-club record fee of £21m, but the Spaniard left Newcastle shortly after Almiron joined.
The 2022/23 campaign was undoubtedly the best in Almiron’s Newcastle career, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League. It was under Howe that he would truly realise his potential, hitting his prime under the 47-year-old.
Before Howe joined, it looked as if Newcastle were heading towards the Championship but the former Bournemouth boss helped the Magpies to an emphatic rise up the Premier League table, reaching the Champions League in his first full season in charge.
Speaking to the Athletic, Almiron opened up about his time under Bruce and Howe’s rise as Newcastle boss.
“The first year in England was challenging for me,” he said.
“I think I scored one goal that season. I changed as a person. It was honestly really hard. But I’ve always maintained a low profile. I always came to work and focused on improving myself. I’m aware when things aren’t going well. After all of the places that I’ve been in my career, I’ve realised that football is about patience and hard work. It’s about moments.”
“When Eddie arrived I think that everything changed. He changed our mentality.
“Then the club acquired some really good players. That really helped. There was more ambition. (Howe) really helped me from an individual point of view.
“He changed my mentality, too. He helped me in training and always told me to get better, whether it was playing on the left, the right or with my finishing. I think all of that was evident on the pitch, not just for me but for the entire group.
“We qualified for the Champions League and played in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United. The club improved.”
- READ MORE – Miguel Almiron reunited with former Newcastle United teammate after scoring in pre-season
How Miguel Almiron has fared since leaving Newcastle United
After a bright pre-season, Almiron’s MLS campaign got underway at the end of February, and he kicked off his return with an assist in a 3-2 win against Montreal. Almiron made Atlanta history with his assist, becoming one of four players to reach 50 goal involvements for The Five Stripes.
However, things took a turn in their next two games, losing 2-0 to Charlotte FC, who he could have joined in January, and playing 87 minutes in a goalless draw against the New York Red Bulls.
- READ MORE – Miguel Almiron reveals his favourite memory as a Newcastle United player, fans will love it
Atlanta fans brought Newcastle to Almiron upon his return, putting black and white flags up with a message about his time on Tyneside.
Almiron thanked Newcastle fans for their support throughout his six years a the club and also recalled his goal in the Magpies famous 4-1 win against PSG as his favourite moment in a black and white strip.
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