OPINION
For once the January transfer window was something for the Newcastle United faithful to celebrate rather than suffer as they saw their side break the bank to secure the capture of Miguel Almiron.
The Paraguayan has danced his way into the hearts of the fans at St James’ Park with his electric performances and they are all waiting to see the South American star net his first goal on Tyneside.
With all the buzz surrounding the former Atlanta United man it is quite easy to forget that he was not the only new arrival at the club in the winter market, Newcastle also sealing the capture of AS Monaco defender Antonio Barreca on loan.
To say that the Italian has not made the same impact would be understatement of the season.
Four minutes is all the action he has under his belt for Rafael Benitez and a report from the Sun, as relayed by talkSPORT suggests that the Spanish boss is frustrated by the new arrival, rather than being happy he is part of the squad.
It is claimed that Benitez never held any real interest in his capture and that he lacks the defensive qualities the manager was looking for in a new recruit, which is why the 23-year-old is representative of everything that is wrong with the club under owner Mike Ashley.
Instead of giving the man in the dugout the funds he needs to buy the players he wants, the owner has instead given the green light over a bargain loan which will not help the squad in the slightest.
Ashley is a poisonous figure at the top of St James’ Park and Barreca’s arrival shows how little respect he has for a man who won a Champions League and is established as one of the best managers in world football.
It is not the full back’s fault, but he is exactly why the fans want Ashley out sooner rather than later.