Miguel Almiron Nears £10 Million Return to Atlanta United

NEWCASTLE, England — Paraguayan winger Miguel Almiron is close to completing a £10 million ($12.3 million) return to Major League Soccer side Atlanta United, according to reports. The 30-year-old, who joined Newcastle United from Atlanta in 2019, is set to reunite with the club that first propelled him onto the global stage.

Almiron has been a pivotal figure for Newcastle since his arrival, making 222 appearances and scoring 30 goals. His standout performance during the 2022-23 season, where he netted eight goals in nine games, played a crucial role in securing Newcastle’s qualification for the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League. He also etched his name in club history by scoring Newcastle’s first Champions League goal in over two decades during a 4-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in October 2023.

However, Almiron’s role at Newcastle has diminished this season, with only one start under head coach Eddie Howe. Despite Howe’s preference to retain his squad, the lucrative offer from Atlanta United appears too significant to decline.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal’s progress, stating, “Atlanta United are closing in on Miguel Almiron deal with Newcastle as move is being completed. Transfer fee around £10m.” The move would mark Almiron’s first permanent departure from Newcastle this January.

Newcastle has also seen several loan departures this month, including Isaac Hayden to Portsmouth, Charlie McArthur to Carlisle United, Travis Hernes to Aalborg BK, and Alex Murphy to Bolton Wanderers. Defender Lloyd Kelly, who has made just four Premier League starts since joining on a free transfer, is another potential exit, with Juventus reportedly preparing a fresh bid.

Almiron’s return to Atlanta United, where he previously scored 22 goals and provided 21 assists in 70 appearances, could reignite his career and bolster the MLS side’s attacking options.