It has taken 14 years but Newcastle United finally broke their transfer record in January, signing Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United in a deal worth around 20million.The Toon Army are delighted that Mike Ashley has opened his chequebook and brought in one of Rafa Benitezs top targets but many who are unfamiliar with the Paraguayan’s talents will be wondering whether he will prove to be worth the sizeable investment.
We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Miguel Almirn from @ATLUTD. The 24-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at St. James' Park until June 2024.Full story: https://t.co/5NxxCEHhNx #NUFC pic.twitter.com/a5MV5QBTum— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 31, 2019Atlanta fans were likely wondering just the same when Almiron arrived in Major League Soccer in December 2016 for a reported league transfer record fee of $8 million.But from the moment Miggy – as he is affably known to Atlanta fans – stepped onto the pitch, it was apparent that the playmaker was going to more than satisfy the amount that was paid to secure his services.What stands out right away is his pace. A swift carrier of the ball, with a lovely left foot, hes the type of player that actually becomes quicker when dribbling, and is very positive in the path he takes.
2
2Miguel Almirn is off to @NUFC.A look at what the Magpies can expect. pic.twitter.com/sdPxaAXT3z— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 31, 2019Are there are any question marks? Well, it will be a challenge for him to adapt to the physical side of the British game. While sadly a hearty tackle in all of football seems to be of times past, the difference to what referees allow in MLS compared to the Premier League is that of a pillow fight when compared to a street fight. It will be interesting to see how Almiron handles a heavy challenge, and having less time to work his magic on the ball.He does cut a very slim frame, but maybe his pace will translate enough to skip away from bodies. He will also have to handle the pressure of the Premier League and, potentially, a relegation battle.It is one thing playing on a side that is arguably one of the most exciting MLS teams in the history of the league, in a culture that is always eager to offer as much praise as possible. Its another thing being in the pressure cooker that is the Premier League, where players are fighting for their place and reputation every day. Almiron has yet to be seen as a player that would shrink back, but at the same time, he is yet to be placed under such heavy expectations. The bottom line is this transfer could prove to be a very astute one for both Rafa Benitez and Darren Eales, the Atlanta United president.For Benitez, hes put his trust in his contacts such as Tata Martino, the recently-departed Atlanta United manager, and has demonstrated his faith in Almiron by convincing the club to shell out a record fee for the first time since Michael Owen was tempted to swap the Bernabeu for St James Park in 2005.And for Eales, his faith in Almirons worth has been rewarded, after reportedly turning down lesser offers during this past season.Time will tell whether he proves a good signing for Newcastle. Im certainly backing Miggy to make his mark in England.
Netherlands vs England: Ronald Koeman believes he has two
Speaking in a press conference after the 3-2 win over Villareal, Zidane was asked if dropping Bale casts a doubt on his future at the club, "I'm the coach, I have to pick the team and that's all there is to it. "You can interpret it as you wish. I need to pick a squad of players and some are going to miss out."
Sam Allardyce has not forgiven Everton for dismissing him as manager and believes his successor could suffer the same fate. More Sam Allardyce has slammed Everton for what he considers a "ludicrous" decision to sack him and has warned Marco Silva that he is running out of time to save his own job.
Chelsea have agreed to sell Eden Hazard to Real Madrid in a club record deal that could earn them up to £130million. Real have finally caved into Chelsea's demands, which as Standard Sport has
Eden Hazard joins Real Madrid on five-year contract
Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United: Mesut Ozil aims sly dig at Jesse Lingard following Premier League clash Lingard may not have been playing but his last trip to the Emirates Stadium touched one or
Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United: Mesut Ozil aims sly dig at
RIP Everton made Pickering Britain's most expensive footballer in March 1964 Former Everton and England forward Fred Pickering has died, aged 78. Pickering, who became Britain's most expensive footballer in March 1964, passed away on Saturday night, an Everton statement confirmed.
Fred Pickering: Former Everton and England forward dies, aged
Rangers defender James Tavernier signs one-year contract extension with the Ibrox club. GERS finally confirm that the right back has agreed an extension with the Ibrox club as he becomes the
Share this:Former Manchester City, Barcelona and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has retired from playing and will move into coaching, his agent has said. The 35-year-old has not played since having his contract at Greek side Olympiakos terminated in December 2018.
Former Man City & Barcelona star Yaya Toure retires at the
☆ Romelu Lukaku Consoles Presnel Kimpembe After Manchester United Knock PSG Out In Dramatic Scenes. ☆ Romelu Lukaku showed his class after Manchester United knocked PSG out of the Champions
Romelu Lukaku Consoles Presnel Kimpembe After Manchester
Manchester United could lose Marcus Rashford with the player now delaying talks about a new contract after their dire end to the Premier League season. The striker has one year left on his current deal, although the club do have the option to extend it by another campaign.
Marcus Rashford 'Stalling' on New Manchester United Contract
'Another spy in the camp' - John Terry and Jody Morris poke fun at Leeds United while celebrating reaching Championship Play-Off Final fpnews May 18, 2019 0 John Terry has poked fun at Leeds United whilst celebrating reaching the Championship Play-Off Final.
Championship Play-Off Final: Back Aston Villa 11/1 or Derby
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has revealed the reason behind his decision to walk away from his managerial job at Oldham. The former Manchester United midfielder left his role as the Oldham manager after 31 days and just seven games played.
'Mourinho's response was despicable' - John Giles rips into
According to Daily Mail, the former Arsenal star will play a major role in the upcoming French-speaking version of the animated Spider-Man film. He is expected to voice the Green Goblin character in the cartoon and will be joined by PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe, who takes on the role of Scorpion in the blockbuster.
Chelsea star Olivier Giroud set for role in Spider Man New
Tottenham will wait for swelling to go down on Harry Kane's ankle injury before being able to find out the full extent of it. Kane suffered the problem in the final stages of Sunday's 1-0 defeat
Tottenham vs Liverpool: Over-performing Spurs should snub
Mark Bullingham has been at the FA for the past two and a half years. Mark Bullingham, the Football Association's chief commercial and football development officer, has been named its new chief
FA announce Mark Bullingham as new chief executive
0 Comments