Paul Mitchell is about to take a huge Newcastle United risk that could anger Eddie Howe

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Newcastle United look set to take a major risk during the January transfer window.

It is well known that the Magpies need to become better sellers, as PSR continues to hold the club back. Newcastle United need to sell before they buy this month, with various Toon players linked with moves away from St James’ Park.

Newcastle have rejected a bid for Lloyd Kelly, but it looks like one of his teammates is on his way out.

Newcastle United set to sell Miguel Almiron

It was recently reported that Newcastle think Miguel Almiron will leave in January, and that now appears set to come to fruition.

A return to the MLS is on the horizon, with Newcastle set to accept a £10million bid for Almiron from Atlanta United.

That will leave the Magpies light in attack, at a time when Harvey Barnes is injured.

Concerningly, the Daily Mail report that Newcastle United are unlikely to sign a replacement for Almiron during the January transfer window.

Paul Mitchell is playing a dangerous game at Newcastle United

That is a major risk. It would mean Jacob Murphy does not have a deputy on the right, at a time when Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak are also under pressure to stay fit due to injuries to Barnes and Callum Wilson.

Given how well the Magpies are doing and the special season that could be unfolding, it is dangerous of Paul Mitchell to let Almiron go without a replacement arriving.

If I was Eddie Howe, I would be pushing for a new face to arrive in attack before the transfer window closes.

However, Paul Mitchell is right to take the risk of letting Almiron go without the guarantees of a replacement.

Why Newcastle are right to take Almiron risk

The 30-year-old’s influence at St James’ Park has massively waned. Almiron’s level has dropped, with his performances in the 2022/23 season now a distant memory.

That is why Miggy has barely featured this season, starting just once in the Premier League.

While having an extra body in reserve is useful for Howe, selling him now for £10million will do more for Newcastle United in the long run. It will help them invest in the summer, at a time when the Magpies will be better placed to bring in the reinforcements they desire.

If a deal was available right now, Newcastle United would do it. As they showed with Anthony Gordon in 2023, Newcastle will invest in January if the right option comes up.

But Mitchell is not going to sign someone for the sake of it. There will be no panic buy. That has never happened since the change of ownership at St James’ Park, and it should not happen now.

Newcastle simply cannot pass up this opportunity to get a decent fee for Almiron. They made that mistake 12 months ago when a lot more money was on the table.

While Howe might be left frustrated if a replacement does not arrive, the club must look at the bigger picture. Cash in now, and potentially reap the rewards in the summer.

The only way that should change is if the right player is available right now for the right place. However, it is unclear who that player is.

Newcastle want Johan Bakayoko, but he is going nowhere this month. Bakayoko’s agent confirmed he is not leaving, while other targets such as Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo are unaffordable for Newcastle United.

For Newcastle to get the winger they want, they might have to wait until the summer. But that does not mean they should pass up this opportunity to sell Almiron.

Newcastle United must take the risk.