Newcastle United continue to be linked with Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle United continue to search for a top number 10 to create chances in the final third, and boss Rafael Benitez may have finally found one.
The Magpies have used Ayoze Perez and Yoshinori Muto in that role behind the main striker this term, but neither are naturals in the position, and a real playmaker is wanted in January.
It’s unclear just how much Benitez will be given to spend on acquiring such a player, but the Daily Mail report that they are pushing to the front of the queue for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron – even with a £24million valuation.
Almiron has been a star in Major League Soccer, hitting 13 goals and 13 assists this season whilst firing Atlanta to the verge of the MLS Cup.
The Paraguayan international, 25, is a rapid playmaker with great quality on the ball, and he could revolutionise this Newcastle side if Benitez manages to land him.
One man who knows plenty about Almiron is former Newcastle defender Warren Barton, who is now based in the States as a pundit – and he has told The Chronicle that he thinks Almiron is a good player, who is thriving in a team of South American starlets playing an attractive brand of attacking football.
“He’s a good player, there with ex-Barcelona coach Tata Martino,” said Barton on Almiron. “They play very attacking football, and gone over to South America to bring over they players but they’re still spending $10m-$15m on one player, which was never heard of in the MLS,” he added.
This could be a problem though. Almiron is thriving in a team of flair and style, but that isn’t exactly what Newcastle are under Benitez; it’s more functional and based on counter-attacks than possession and flamboyance.
Almiron’s pace and decision making should still make a threat on the counter, but having come from such an attractive style under Martino, it may be a difficult transition for him to play in Benitez’s style.
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