Journalist says club are “really pushing” to get deal done for £60M Newcastle star in January
Newcastle United winger Miguel Almirón appears poised for a departure from the northeast club, with MLS side Charlotte FC reportedly making a strong push to secure the Paraguayan’s services in the January transfer window.
Journalist Peter O’Rourke has reported Charlotte FC’s aggressive pursuit, signaling a potential end to Almirón’s tenure at St. James’ Park.
This season, Almirón has found himself on the fringes of Eddie Howe’s squad, starting only one Premier League match. His reduced role comes after a summer that saw Newcastle engage in discussions with a Saudi Arabian club over a potential transfer.
However, those talks did not materialize into a move. Now, with several suitors in the mix, including his former club Atlanta United and interest from Saudi Arabia, Charlotte FC has emerged as the most determined contender to sign the 30-year-old winger.
Almirón joined Newcastle from Atlanta United in January 2019 and has since made over 200 appearances, scoring 30 goals. While his 2022/23 season was a standout campaign, during which he scored 11 goals across all competitions, his overall contribution has not consistently met expectations in the Premier League.
As a result, Almirón has been on Newcastle’s transfer list for some time, and his departure is now viewed as a necessary step for the club to bring in reinforcements on the right wing.
Eddie Howe is reportedly keen to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options but must first offload Almirón to create space for a new signing. O’Rourke highlighted the winger’s openness to returning to Major League Soccer, where he previously enjoyed great success with Atlanta United.
Charlotte FC has emerged as the frontrunner, with strong interest also coming from other MLS teams, Saudi Arabian clubs, and a few Premier League outfits.
Almirón’s current contract with Newcastle includes a release clause of £60 million, but it is highly unlikely the club will demand such a fee, considering his diminished role in the squad and their eagerness to facilitate his exit.
Almirón’s 2023/24 Premier League Performance
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots Per 90 | 1.91 |
| Key Passes Per 90 | 1.12 |
| Successful Take-Ons Per 90 | 1.07 |
Statistics via FBRef, accurate as of December 28, 2024.
While Almirón’s Premier League numbers have been underwhelming this season, he remains a player of interest due to his past successes and potential to reignite his career in a different league. Charlotte FC’s pursuit underscores the growing appeal of MLS as a destination for players seeking a fresh start.
For Newcastle, Almirón’s departure would mark the end of a five-year chapter and pave the way for new additions that align with Howe’s vision. As January approaches, the transfer market will likely determine whether Almirón embarks on a new journey in MLS or elsewhere.
