Miguel Almiron was once a key player for Eddie Howe, but now his Newcastle United career is at a crossroads.
When the Magpies qualified for the Champions League, they owed a lot to the efforts of Miguel Almiron.
The Paraguayan enjoyed the best season of his Newcastle United career, with his 11 goals going a long way to ensure the Magpies finished in the top four. And some of those goals were really special too, such as the volley against Fulham and curler from distance versus Everton.
Almiron also cemented his place in the Newcastle United history books this season, scoring in the 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain. For many Toon fans, that is their best ever night supporting the club, and Almiron helped make it possible.
2023/24 season was tough for Miguel Almiron
However, that was the one major high during a tough season for the 30-year-old. Almiron was much less impactful in black and white, only managing five goals and three assists in all competitions.
Miggy became far less influential, and now Newcastle are looking for a replacement. The club are trying to sign a new right winger, while Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Almiron is likely to leave.
He is a player who Fabrizio Romano believes that Newcastle are willing sell, at a time when the club need to do exactly that due to PSR reasons.
Romano recently wrote on X: “Miguel Almiron’s future remains open ahead of the summer transfer window. After Saudi Pro League move collapsed in January, more clubs are showing interest in the midfielder. Newcastle, open to selling Almiron in case of good proposal due to Financial Fair Play situation.”
What Michael Owen recently said about Newcastle United winger
While Toon fans are pondering what the future holds for Almiron, his main concern is the Copa America.
Almiron is due to represent Paraguay at the international tournament, where they will compete in Group D alongside Brazil, Colombia and Costa Rica. That means Miggy will be coming up against his Toon teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
Ahead of the tournament, the Premier League have released a video on their YouTube channel about players to keep an eye on, one of which is Almiron.
During the video, Newcastle’s number 24 is praised by ex-Toon striker Michael Owen, who thinks Almiron deserves more credit for how fast he is.
“When you join a club like Newcastle, in Almiron’s case, then, of course, that comes with a big pressure,” he said.
“You know, the whole of that city lives for that football club, and yeah, he definitely carried a responsibility playing for them.
“Almiron exploded into life under Eddie Howe. He is a lot quicker than people give him credit for. He has now shown that he can score and assist.”
If Owen was right, Newcastle would keep Almiron
While Owen has been very complimentary about Almiron, his comments are slightly wide of the mark.
One thing is for sure – he really did burst into life under Eddie Howe. Steve Bruce did not know how to get the best out of him, but that was something that Howe mastered last season.
However, it was a different story during the 2023/24 campaign. Owen thinks Almiron can score and assist, but he has not been doing it regularly enough in Toon colours. In comparison, Jacob Murphy got more goal contributions than him (11) in fewer games.
That is why Newcastle are hoping to sign a replacement this summer, as they aim to move on a player who cost a club record £21million five and a half years ago.
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