OPINION
Newcastle United fans have learned not to count their chickens when it comes to their beloved club and new signings.
But the noise around a potential landmark deal for MLS sensation Miguel Almiron suggests something big could be in the offing. Finally.
The Chronicle reported on Sunday that Newcastle have held extensive talks with Atlanta United about signing the £25million-valued playmaker.
Intriguingly, it is said that the north-east giants’ pursuit is “very real at this stage” and the Paraguay international could even arrive in the north-east at the end of December.
That would be an unexpected and staggering statement of intent from Newcastle, given the performances of the player this year, his great potential and Mike Ashley’s reluctance to spend big on anyone during his 11 years of ownership of the club.
Jaws will drop if Almiron jets into St James’ Park to become the club’s record signing either this month or before the upcoming winter window has shut.
There appears growing conviction among the Newcastle recruitment team that Almiron can make an immediate impact in the Premier League even if, from the outside, it would appear difficult to claim beyond reasonable doubt he will be a star of English football.
Almiron has thrived in the MLS since joining from Argentine side Lanus in 2016 but it would be ignoring the blindingly obvious to state this is a reasonable equivalent to the level he would experience on the other side of the Atlantic.
An attacking midfielder who scores and creates goals, Almiron’s numbers are impressive – 22 goals and 21 assists from 68 Atlanta appearances – and he has certainly had a great year.
But is he a potential superstar or just a decent player with an agent doing a great job of linking him to Premier League clubs?