Newcastle star with twitchy agent has dreams above his standing

Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron admits it would be a “dream” to play for Argentinian giants River Plate during his career.

The Paraguay international, 26, has enjoyed a taste of the Argentine Premier Division with Lanus. He made 45 appearances for Granate before moving to MLS franchise Atlanta United for the 2017 and 2018 season.

A move to St James’ Park followed and he has enjoyed 66 Premier League outings for the Magpies. Having scored 12 goals in his final season with Atlanta, much was expected on Tyneside.

But it seems as though that was a false dawn as he is clearly not a goalscoring forward. The South American has bagged just five in the league and 10 in all competitions for the north-east outfit.

He has regularly been linked with a move away from Newcastle. Last November, manager Steve Bruce laid into the player’s agent.

Daniel Campos suggested he would already have moved to another club but for the Covid-10 pandemic. Bruce dismissed the comments, stating that he had not heard from Almiron himself.

His future at the club does seem muddled to say the least. And it seems as though a move to Argentina or back to first club Cerro Porteno is high on the agenda.

Speaking with Versus Radio in Paraguay, he said: “I always wanted to play for River, it was one of my dreams.

Newcastle v Southampton Match Preview, February 06, 2021

Newcastle v Southampton Match Preview, February 06, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Newcastle and Southampton, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

“Going back to Cerro would be very nice, one who is a fan always thinks to return. I respect the Olimpia club a lot, but I left Cerro, it’s like my second home.”

Woeful bottom three to save Magpies?

Newcastle have struggled in 2020-2021 and sit 16th in the Premier League standings. They have taken 22 points from as many games.

That would normally see a club battling relegation but they are still eight points clear of the drop zone. There is nothing to stop one of the bottom three going on a miraculous run.

But it does not look like happening at present and a relatively low number of points may be required for survival. Bruce won’t want to leave it to chance, however, and will want to push towards the 40-point mark.

Steve Bruce TEAMtalk

Scoring goals has been an issue, with only 22 in the league to date. They have lost six of seven games but managed a 2-0 triumph over Everton at Goodison Park.

The manager would doubtless like to see more production from his attacking ranks. Almiron may not provide goals but has the skill to unlock defences.

Whether that is good enough for a club like River Plate only time will tell.

 

READ MORE: Willock admits shock at Bruce plan