Newcastle break 14-year transfer record to confirm Miguel Almiron signing

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Newcastle United have broken their all-time transfer record in completing the signing of Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United for £21m.

The Magpies’ previous record came when they spent £17m on Michael Owen in 2005, with Newcastle the only current Premier League club whose highest fee was spent more than three years ago.

Why have Newcastle finally broken their transfer record? Five key things to know…

  1. Newcastle’s forwards have struggled for goals this season with Salomon Rondon the club’s top scorer in the Premier League with six.
  2. As a result, the club have been looking for a new forward this month, with Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron the main target.
  3. And on the final day of the January transfer window, Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Almiron on a five-and-a-half-year deal.
  4. With the fee a reported £21m, Almiron is the most expensive player in Newcastle’s history.
  5. Newcastle’s previous record signing was Michael Owen who joined from Real Madrid for £17m on August 31, 2005.

Almiron, 24, joins Newcastle on a five-and-a-half year contract, keeping him tied to the club until June 2024. Upon his arrival, Almiron spoke of the impact manager Rafael Benitez had on his decision to join Newcastle.

“I’m very happy and eager to start and to meet my new team mates,” he told the club’s official website.

“The league is very competitive, this is a historic club, and Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now.

“I think it is a great responsibility, something beautiful for me, and I will try to offer the best I can to repay the trust the club put in me.”

The Paraguayan international made a name for himself with MLS club Atlanta United, who he joined in December 2016 from Argentinian side Club Atletico Lanus, winning the Newcomer of the Year at the end of his debut campaign.

Almiron was key in Atlanta’s MLS Cup win last season, scoring 13 goals and recording a further 13 assists.

And it was this which Benitez revealed had Newcastle interested in bringing Almiron to St James’ Park.

He told the club’s website: “We were following Miguel Almirón for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists.

“We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League but he has the potential to do what we are expecting, and what we need.

“From talking to the lad, you can tell that he is really focussed and wants to do well. He wants to be successful and he wants to help the team, to score goals and give assists if it is possible.

“His impact in MLS has been really good – he’s been one of the best players this year – and hopefully he can give us more competition and more quality in the final third.

“I am pleased that the hard work behind the scenes has ended positively and I thank everyone for their efforts.”​

Newcastle United fans react to club splashing the cash

With the long wait over for Newcastle to break their record transfer fee, Magpies fans were quick to express their delight on social media.

But it was not all joy, with Atlanta fans upset to be losing their key man.

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The post Newcastle break 14-year transfer record to confirm Miguel Almiron signing appeared first on Squawka News.



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