Newcastle United transfer movement imminent - with talks in next 48 hours to be key
EDDIE HOWE insists Miguel Almiron was “not necessarily saying goodbye” to the Newcastle United fans at Southampton yesterday, but the Paraguayan is nevertheless expected to complete his return to Atlanta United in the next few days.
Almiron was a late substitute as Newcastle returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory at St Mary’s, and found himself at the centre of some emotional post-match scenes as he was pushed to the front of his team-mates as they soaked up the acclaim of the travelling fans on the south coast.
Newcastle officials have held a series of discussions with their counterparts at Atlanta this month, and finally reached an agreement over a deal for Almiron at the end of last week.
The 30-year-old is still to finalise the personal terms of his proposed return to the MLS, but with further discussions planned for the next 48 hours, the transfer should finally be concluded in the next couple of days.
The US transfer window remains open until April, but Atlanta want their squad finalised before the start of their pre-season training schedule, with Almiron’s return after six years on Tyneside a key part of their plans.
Howe conceded at the end of last week that Almiron ‘could leave’, and while he claims Saturday’s scenes did not necessarily represent a final goodbye, he has accepted he is unlikely to have the South American at his disposal for the remainder of the campaign, starting with next weekend’s home game against Fulham.
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“Was it goodbye? Not really. It wasn’t planned,” said Howe, when asked about the post-match events at Southampton. “It was just the crowd were very much embracing him and giving him a lot of love.
“Miggy’s not that kind of character that’s got a huge ego that absorbs all the attention, but I just felt it was imperative that we got him to the front and everyone acknowledged he’s been unbelievable for us with his attitude, his commitment, the way he’s played.
“I’m not saying it’s a goodbye, we don’t know what’s going to happen, but I just thought it was a great moment for him.”
Almiron is unlikely to be replaced this month, with the Newcastle hierarchy preferring to keep their powder dry in the January window in order to maximise their spending potential in the summer.
His departure will reduce the Magpies’ options in their right-sided attacking role, with Jacob Murphy the only really natural fit for the position, although Anthony Gordon was switched across to the right flank earlier in the season and Joelinton could also deputise for Murphy if needed.
Almiron is a popular figure within the dressing room, with Sandro Tonali having paid tribute to his team-mate in the wake of Saturday’s game.
“I’m happy for Miggy,” said Tonali. “He's an amazing person, an amazing player, and we love him - we are happy for him. We are a lovely team. I work for my team-mates, my team-mates work for me, and this is fantastic because it's difficult to find this in one team.”
