Newcastle United contacted over cut-price January transfer as agent reveals preference
Botafogo are the latest club to show interest in Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron.
There have been major question marks over Almiron’s future since the beginning of the year. A Saudi Pro League club - believed to be Al Shabab - came forward in January but the player himself opted against making the switch mid-season.
In the summer, the Magpies held talks with MLS side Charlotte FC but the two clubs were unable to agree a fee. The 30-year-old has gradually fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park having started just two Premier League matches since the end of March.
In the last few weeks, Charlotte, River Plate and Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with Almiron. Now fresh reports are coming out of Brazil.
According to Globo Esporte, Brazilian champions Botafogo have enquired about Almiron’s price tag with United hoping to recoup £8.5million of the £21m they paid to sign the Paraguayan from Atlanta United in January 2019.
Top brass at Botafogo are “analysing the figures to decide whether to make the offer official”. The report adds Almiron “would be a valuable addition to the squad, but the club does not want to make a large investment in a 30-year-old player who will hardly see a return on the money paid in the medium term in the event of a sale.”
Almiron’s agent Daniel Campos, who hasn’t yet been contacted by Botafogo, recently said Almiron’s preference is to stay in Europe.
“There was a specific offer from Saudi Arabia, but Miguel Almiron didn’t want to go, I always prioritise sporting matters,” Campos told La Union AM. “They always call me from that market, I tell them that it is a good offer and there we will chat with Miguel.
“Newcastle changed the sporting direction of the club and there is no urgency to sell, if there are possibilities, we will see. He went through many cycles at the club and he is an idol.
“Miguel wants to stay in Europe, he succeeded there, he has more than 230 games in the Premier League. Everyone wants to get there, he had the opportunity, and he knows how difficult it is.”