Miguel Almiron arrived in the Premier League on Thursday, joining Newcastle United from MLS Cup winners Atlanta United.
There is a lot of pressure on Miguel Almiron to make an impact immediately at Newcastle United.
The Magpies paid £21 million to sign the Paraguayan international from MLS Cup winners Atlanta United, making the highly-rated playmaker their new record signing, as reported by The Guardian.
And, speaking to the Chronicle, former Newcastle hero Nolberto Solano has pointed out that Rafa Benitez’s side have taken a big risk signing a player who has only played in Paraguay, Argentina and the USA before making his big-money move to England.
“He could be a great signing. At this moment we don’t know how much he can help because it could take time adapt,” said Peruvian Solano, who was a huge favourite in two spells on Tyneside between 1998 and 2007.
“In that way it’s a gamble. The expectation may also be different because of the price tag – a record fee we are hearing out here.
“And Newcastle are desperate to get results. I know the way he plays and whether he suits defensive tactics I don’t know.”
Almiron established himself as arguably the most exciting attacking talent in American football during his time at Atlanta, providing 13 goals and 11 assists in the MLS last season under the former Barcelona and Argentina coach Tata Martino.
He is a little lightweight, meaning it could take time to adapt to the physical Premier League, but the tigerish South American is also renowned for his combative style and ferocious work rate.
This should stand Almiron in good stead as he aims to follow in Solano’s footsteps.
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