Miguel Almiron’s agent has made headlines this week by claiming that the Paraguayan would have left St James’ Park if it wasn’t for the ongoing global pandemic.
He claimed that the former Atlanta United man would have left the club this summer, with Atletico Madrid amongst the clubs interested in his services.
“Miguel Almiron was being observed by Atletico Madrid but no offer was made. When everything returns to normal, Miguel will take a leap in quality,” Campos told Paraguayan radio station Futgol 970 (via Goal).
“Miguel’s work rate at Newcastle and Paraguay has been great. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, he would have been elsewhere.”
While it is alarming that Newcastle were set to lose Almiron this summer, it’s even more worrying that Bruce isn’t utilising him properly.
You have to be a top player to garner interest from Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, they’re constantly challenging in the Champions League and boast some of the most talented players in Europe within their squad.
So, if Atletico thought Almiron was good enough, why is he not a key man for Newcastle United?
Even the most optimistic Magpies fan will admit that there is a huge gulf between Newcastle and Atletico Madrid, but for some reason, Almiron is deemed good enough for Madrid, but not good enough to be a star at St James’ Park.
He isn’t being completely left out, as he has made seven appearances this term, but far too often, those appearances have been short cameos, as he’s played just 392 minutes this term.
The fact that Atletico Madrid can see something in Almiron that Bruce seemingly can’t doesn’t bode well for the Magpies, as their manager is seemingly wasting the talents of one of his most gifted players.
If a Champions League contender is in for one of your fringe players, it may be a sign that he deserves an increased role within the squad.
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