Bizarre MLS reaction to return of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United | OneFootball

Miguel Almiron is set to swap Newcastle United and the Premier League, for Atlanta United and the MLS.

Miggy arrived at St James’ Park from the MLS club on 31 January 2019.

It now looks odds on that the official announcement of his return to Atlanta United, will come on Friday, exactly six years to the day.

There has been a lot of talk amongst Newcastle United fans about the imminent departure of Miguel Almiron.

What about on the other side of the pond though?

I was interested to come across this MLS reaction, which I thought a little bizarre in places…

Snippets from the MLS Multiplex site talking about the imminent return of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United and the MLS – 30 January 2025:

‘I think Newcastle made a mistake with this one. Stick with me, and I’ll explain why.’

‘When Atlanta United made this move, it wasn’t just about the cash, though, yeah, $12 million is no chump change. The signing of Almirón brings a lot more to the table: visibility, skill, and that extra spark of a player who’s already shown he can shine on big stages.’

‘Almirón was one of the first big success stories for a South American player in the MLS to make the jump to European football. His impact over there was huge, but for some reason, the English side just couldn’t tap into his full potential. Now, in Atlanta, he could very well be the man again.’

‘Now, why sell him now? Just as the league starts to heat up and Almirón could have a chance to be the main man again, Newcastle lets him go, almost like they’re unloading some baggage. Sure, $12 million isn’t exactly pocket change, but in Premier League terms? It’s not going to have the Geordie faithful doing cartwheels.

Looking at this deal, I can’t help but feel like Newcastle missed a golden opportunity. If they had played to Almirón’s strengths and given him the right setup, he could’ve been way more than just a guy who passed through the Premier League. He could’ve been a game-changer.’

‘The fact that a player with this much promise is coming back to U.S. soccer is a strategic move that shows just how much the MLS has evolved.’

Hmmm.

I find the comment of “…just a guy who passed through the Premier League” a ‘little’ strange, considering Miguel Almiron has been at Newcastle United for six years.

He arrived at St James’ Park as a 24 year old and is now set to leave just ahead of his 31st birthday (10 February 2025).

Miggy has been with Newcastle United for the vast majority of his first team career, not exactly just passing through.

As for Newcastle United missing out on untapped potential, well, I think after six years we know all about Miggy’s strengths and weaknesses.

Yes, he was treated woefully by Steve Bruce when played pretty much as an extra defender a lot of the time, with Brucey’s ultra negative tactics, with us having seen his potential under Rafa Benitez in those opening months.

However, Miguel Almiron has been given every chance to flourish in an attacking Eddie Howe team and had that golden 2022/23 season when scoring 11 PL goals on top of all his usual all action workrate.

Reality is though that Almiron hasn’t managed that kind of consistency since and as he moved into his thirties, found himself down the pecking order. Only one Premier League start in the last ten and a half months, Jacob Murphy finding some stellar form, whilst a new first choice right-sided signing expected this summer.

Personally, I see this as a signing that is absolutely right for all parties.

There is an argument that Miguel Almiron could have been given more of a free role as he does with Paraguay and/or playing more centrally. However, Newcastle United have got other/better options in those areas, so it was a case of competing on the right for a place in the team.

The player returns to a club where he excelled and was very popular, Atlanta United get a very fit soon to be 31 year old who I am sure will do a great job at that level once again. Whilst Newcastle United get a very fair transfer fee and almost all of that fee will be able to be put down in this season’s NUFC accounts from a PSR perspective.