Newcastle have finally confirmed the signing of playmaker Miguel Almiron.
Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre (Thursday, 14:44pm) has quoted Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley as thanking Rafa Benitez for his patience over the signing of Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle finally completed a deal to land the Paraguay international for a club-record fee – believed to be in the region of £21million (Mirror). He has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal to remain at Newcastle until 2024.
Benitez had been continually frustrated by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley over potential signings, with the club in desperate need of new players to avoid relegation to the Championship.
However, it seems Ashley has finally stumped up the cash to sign Almiron, who joins the club from MLS side Atlanta United. Charnley, who is seen by many fans as Ashley’s right-hand man, applauded Benitez’s patience.
“He is a player who Rafa has wanted for a year and I appreciate he has had to wait longer than he would have liked. I would like to thank Rafa for his patience in waiting for a player he has coveted for so long,” Charnley said.
“Given Miguel’s performances both in MLS and for his country, it was a question of when Atlanta United were prepared to sell him and, when they were, achieving a deal that made financial sense for us.”
Almiron was integral to Atlanta’s MLS Cup win last season under former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, scoring 13 goals and creating 13 more for the American outfit.
Newcastle fans will be hoping he can do similar at St. James’ Park in the number 24 shirt, after he became the second signing of the day for The Toon after AS Monaco’s Antonio Barreca joined on loan.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
