According to The Athletic, Miguel Almiron’s representatives are annoyed about the fact he has not been offered improved terms.
What’s the story?
In their extensive piece on the 27-year-old’s recent upturn in performances, they reveal that the South American’s camp have been ‘irked’ that no new terms have been forthcoming in an effort to improve on the five-and-a-half-year deal he initially signed in January 2019.
Allan Saint-Maximin was offered a new contract little over a year after joining and, despite some struggles, Almiron has largely been a fixture in the first-team since his arrival on Tyneside. Indeed, this comes after his agent had suggested other clubs – such as Atletico Madrid – were keen on a move for him.
Are they right to be?
It’s a difficult one to gauge.
Almiron hasn’t always been the most productive in front of goal but, in his defence, he has been playing in a team who have struggled to do much of anything going forward. Handing him a new contract during some of the poor runs he’s been on during his time as a Newcastle player would have been a strange decision but, again, how much of that was his fault is unclear.
After all, he’s been shunted into five different positions this season alone and Steve Bruce’s side rank amongst the lowest in the Premier League for shots per game (via WhoScored) as well as progressive yards made (via FBref). Indeed, not exactly conducive conditions for an attacker to impress.
Should a new deal be offered?
Yes, if only to protect Newcastle’s investment.
The player’s agent hinted the COVID-19 pandemic had halted any move to Spain but, next summer, perhaps the idea of a move abroad will emerge again. By that point, Almiron will have three years left on his contract and, while that is still a relatively healthy position, it would make sense to extend that by a further year as they did with Saint-Maximin in order to raise his value ahead of potential interest.
The Verdict
With Almiron impressing of late, it only makes sense to offer him a contract to reflect his important status in the team. By doing so, Newcastle could also be safeguarded against any interest that arises as a result of his good form.