Newcastle United set to green-light transfer after Paul Mitchell meeting & £12.6M bid prepared

Miguel Almirón is on the verge of leaving Newcastle United after a six-year stint with the club. The Paraguayan forward is reportedly nearing a £10 million move to his former side, Atlanta United, a transfer that is expected to be sanctioned by Newcastle following a pivotal meeting involving sporting director Paul Mitchell and key members of the club’s recruitment team.

This development signals a potential end to Almirón’s tenure at St. James’ Park as the Magpies continue to reshape their squad dynamics.

Almirón’s role at Newcastle has diminished in recent months, highlighted by his absence from the pitch during Newcastle’s 4-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth at home. Despite being named as a substitute, the 30-year-old remained on the bench, fueling speculation about his future.

His situation mirrors that of Lloyd Kelly, another player linked with a possible exit. Kelly, who joined Newcastle on a free transfer last summer, has struggled for regular game time, making just four Premier League starts this season.

The defender has drawn interest from several clubs, including Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, whose bid was reportedly rejected, and Juventus, who remain in talks with Newcastle over a potential loan deal that includes an option to buy in the summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Juventus had an initial loan proposal turned down by Newcastle but are preparing a new offer valued at €15 million (£12.6 million). While no agreement has been reached, the Italian club remains intent on securing Kelly’s services.

The defender, whose contract with Newcastle runs until 2029, is considered a valuable asset, and any decision on his future will depend on the financial and strategic priorities of the club.

When asked about potential player departures, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe provided little clarity, stating that he had not discussed the matter in recent days. Howe has previously emphasized his desire to maintain the cohesion of Newcastle’s first-team squad, especially as the team aims to secure European qualification.

However, the financial realities of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules place pressure on clubs like Newcastle to balance their books, making it clear that every player has a potential price.

Chief executive Darren Eales echoed this sentiment last year, underscoring that Newcastle must make calculated decisions to comply with financial regulations.

Players like Almirón and Kelly, who are not integral to the current starting lineup, have been identified as assets that could be sold without significantly weakening the team. Their departures could provide Newcastle with the financial flexibility needed to reinvest in key areas and strengthen their push for a top-four finish.

Almirón’s impending move to Atlanta United represents a homecoming for the player, who initially rose to prominence with the MLS club before joining Newcastle in 2019. During his time at St. James’ Park, Almirón has delivered moments of brilliance, particularly during his standout performances last season, but he has struggled to maintain a consistent impact.

The decision to part ways with the forward reflects Newcastle’s evolving ambitions under Eddie Howe and the club’s Saudi-backed ownership, which has prioritized building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels domestically and in Europe.

Similarly, Kelly’s future remains uncertain as Newcastle evaluate their options. The defender’s limited involvement this season has made him a candidate for a potential transfer, with Juventus emerging as the frontrunner for his signature.

A move to Serie A could provide Kelly with the opportunity for more regular playing time while also allowing Newcastle to recoup funds to reinvest in the squad.

While departures are never easy, Newcastle’s management appears focused on striking a balance between short-term squad depth and long-term strategic goals. Howe’s comments suggest a reluctance to disrupt the team’s rhythm, but the pressures of modern football economics may force the club’s hand. Almirón’s exit, in particular, could signal a shift toward prioritizing younger talent and reinforcements in key areas.

As the transfer window unfolds, Newcastle fans will be watching closely to see how these developments impact the team’s trajectory. The decisions surrounding Almirón and Kelly reflect the delicate balancing act facing the club’s hierarchy as they aim to navigate the financial and competitive challenges of the Premier League.

For now, both players remain on the fringes of the squad, but their futures appear increasingly likely to lie away from Tyneside. Whether their departures lead to reinforcements or simply provide financial breathing room, Newcastle’s ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial in shaping the next phase of their journey.