Newcastle United legend Nobby Solano has suggested that bringing in record signing Miguel Almiron halfway through a season could be a gamble for the Tyneside club.
The Paraguayan international completed a £20 million move to St. James’ Park from Atlanta United on deadline day but fellow South American Solano is wary of the risk involved in the move.
The Peruvian himself joined the Magpies from Boca Juniors in 1998, but admits that his switch was easier to adapt to as it came during preseason.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Solano said: “I hope he can adapt straight away. A relegation battle will be tough and might take him some time. Rafa Benitez may have wanted him in the summer but he has to take the chance now.
“But he could be a great signing. At this moment we don’t know how much he can help because it could take time adapt. In that way it is a gamble.
“But he’s definitely shown he can score goals in MLS so hopefully he can transfer that to the Premier League stage.
“At least I had friendly games to adapt because it was pre-season. Almiron has to be ready to go now in the Premier League. It is a different situation.
“The expectation may also be different because of the price tag and Newcastle are desperate to get results.”
OPINION
Almiron’s move is a massive deal for Newcastle, but it’s easy to see why somebody could be sceptical over whether or not it will work out for him. Ha has been far and away the best player in the MLS over the past couple of years, and he has earned himself a move to Europe through sheer graft and talent, but the Premier League is a huge step for him to be taking, and even if he is good enough to make it, it could take him a little while to get over the sudden spike in quality and intensity. It would be naive and patronising to suggest that playing Stateside will definitely means he needs to some time adapt, however. The Paraguayan is a supremely gifted player who has had his eye on this transfer for some time, and he will feel that he is ready and raring to make an impact. Newcastle fans will certainly be hoping so as their team are in desperate need of an immediate shot of creative energy if they are to escape the drop comfortably.
