HomeSoccerMiguel Almirón Set to Rejoin Atlanta United FC

Miguel Almirón Set to Rejoin Atlanta United FC

Miguel Almiron will be leaving Newcastle United in the next few days to return to his former club Atlanta United FC, according to UK-based The Guardian.

The Paraguayan joined Atlanta in 2016 from Lanús in the Argentine Premera Division. At Atlanta, he recorded 49 goals and assists in 62 appearances and was named an MLS All-Star in his debut season. In the season after, his combination with attacking partner Josef Martinez helped Atlanta United win the MLS Cup in just their second year of existence, being named in the 2018 MLS Best XI and being named on the MLS MVP shortlist in the process.

These impressive performances earned him a move to Premier League side Newcastle United in 2019 for $27 million — briefly being their club-record transfer until they signed Joelinton six months later for more than $40 million.

It wouldn’t take him until the 2022-23 season to finally start finding his feet, scoring 11 goals and having a career-best 0.25 goals per game, notably helping Newcastle finish in the top-4 to qualify for the UEFA Champions League that season.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe seemed to acknowledge his departure before this news today, noting how popular he is in the dressing room:

“Miggy’s not that kind of character that’s got a huge ego that absorbs all the attention. But I just felt it was imperative that we got him to the front. And everyone acknowledged he’s been unbelievable for us. His attitude, his commitment, the way he’s played.

I’m not saying it’s a goodbye. We don’t know what’s going to happen. But I just thought it was a great moment for him.”

Now, he’s returning to the club that helped propel him to stardom.

The 30-year-old has agreed to a four-year deal to sign for Atlanta United FC. Football insider Fabrizio Roman on X says that Newcastle is set to receive approximately $12m from the deal, and will complete his medical in America soon.

Atlanta United will be a team welcoming him home with open arms and it will be a much-needed boost to the quality of their squad. Last season, despite a run to the Eastern Conference semifinals which included a shock 3-2 win over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Atlanta finished 9th in the conference and 20th overall in the league.

Their attack has been an issue ever since the Paraguayan left. Strikers Xande Silva and Jamal Thiare have a combined 54 appearances with six goals. Much of their scoring comes from right winger Saba Lobzhanidze, their top scorer last season with 11 goals. Atlanta is also rumored to be in for Middlesborough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath for $20 million, which would significantly shake up its attack.

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