Miguel Almiron agent issues 'update' on potential Newcastle United exit amid Saudi Pro League links

Miguel Almiron’s agent has downplayed suggestions the Paraguayan could leave Newcastle United. Reports earlier today claimed Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab had reached a “provisional agreement” to sign the Toon forward. Almiron joined Newcastle five years ago for a club-record fee but has come under criticism for his end product in recent months.

Al-Shabab are not one of the four clubs in the Gulf state who are owned by PIF, the sovereign wealth fund with an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle. Notable players in their squad include former Atletico Madrid midfielder Yannick Carrasco.

Almiron, who signed a new contract until 2026 last February, turns 30 next month and could be used as bait to loosen Newcastle’s purse strings. Club CEO Darren Eales admitted a fortnight ago that players may need to be sold to create “headroom” in the transfer market.

Allan Saint-Maximin was sold last summer despite Eddie Howe revealing he did not want to cash in on the fans’ favourite. But the signing allowed enough wriggle room on the balance sheet for Newcastle to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.

Despite the Almiron claims, ChronicleLive are reporting that the 29-year-old’s agent, Daniel Campos, is downplaying talk of a move away. The update indicates Newcastle would be open to offers for the forward but are yet to receive a formal approach from Al-Shabab.

Almiron has failed to replicate last season’s heroics when he scored 11 goals to help Newcastle qualify for the Champions League. There have been no concrete figures regarding how much the Magpies would accept for the forward.