Newcastle United could be forced to sell some of their key players this January to ensure they are safely operating under Financial Fair Play rules, and Miguel is looking the most likely to be moved on, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
There is only a week left of the January transfer window, and for most of the Premier League, it has been very quiet and uneventful; however, there is still plenty of time for that to change in the coming days.
The Magpies have continued to be dragged into conversations about FFP and financial sustainability when it comes to their Saudi takeover and their transfer business over the last two years, but the club has maintained on several occasions that it has operated fairly and within its limits.
Now it is looking like Newcastle is preparing to boost funds to build on their already impressive squad of players during the summer transfer window, and beyond a huge new sponsorship deal with Adidas, selling players will give them a huge boost.
Several of the Tyneside team’s class acts have been named as players potentially heading for the chop, including England international Kieran Trippier who was tipped for a move to Bayern Munich over the weekend; however, this deal looks to be off the table at this point.
One rumour that continues to swirl and build momentum is the potential exit of Miguel Almiron, as the winger is now being linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League via Al-Shabab.
Newcastle United reporter Keith Downie has spoken out on the current rumours of outgoings before the transfer window closes and has revealed what the likely outcome will be on Sky Sports’ Good Morning Transfers:
“I think of the three players you mentioned: Trippier, Almiron and Callum Wilson, I think Almiron is the most likely player to leave this window.
“The talks have centred around an exit for the Paraguayan are for a permanent move and I think he has a fairly high value in the market due to the fact he is an international, he is just 29 years old and Newcastle have had him for five years so his fee is all paid up. It would help Newcastle financially if they were able to get a player like that off their books and then reinvest.”
“I don’t think Eddie Howe will want to lose this player, he is one of the first names on the team sheet, what he puts in in terms of his work off the ball is crucial to what Newcastle do and in terms of that position on the right wing he is the only fit player, so it would leave a hole in their squad but if they were able to sell him before the deadline, and have a couple of days to work in, they might try and get a replacement in for Almiron.”
Will Newcastle sell Almiron this month?
There is no doubt that Newcastle will want to improve their current squad, especially considering the trajectory the team have found themselves on in recent months.
The Magpies have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and the Champions League, but remain in contention for the FA Cup and a Premier League finish that could lead to European qualification in either the Conference or Europa League – but are 14 points shy of another top-four finish at present.
Almiron has been a key player in the success Newcastle have had since their Saudi-led takeover and one of the few players left from the Mike Ashley era, so as suggested by Downie, it is likely that the Paraguayan international will be reluctant to leave.
The 29-year-old talisman has scored 30 goals and registered 11 assists over 195 appearances in his wider forward role for Newcastle and despite being with the club for half a decade, it is safe to say that he has played his best football under the guidance of Eddie Howe.
Having said that, it is important for the club to start thinking about how they are going to improve performances and start becoming serious contenders given the investment behind them and their owners will be starting to expect a return on that consistently in the future.
With all considered, it would make sense to sell Almiron if the price is right before the transfer window shuts next Wednesday as it could considerably boost funding for strengthening key roles in the summer.
