Newcastle United face £6m bill for 30 y/o as three-way transfer tussle emerges
Botafogo are the latest South American club linked with a January move for Newcastle United outcast Miguel Almiron.
Just one Premier League start all season has placed the 30-year-old in a tricky position. Eddie Howe has experimented with the right flank, with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Joelinton having spells as a right-winger this season.
As it stands, Murphy has the position pinned down, with six goal contributions in his last three games. The consensus among the hierarchy and supporters is, however, that Newcastle need another option.
Yankuba Minteh is the only right-winger signed since the Saudi-backed takeover - a player who never kicked a ball for the Magpies before being sold to Brighton. A fresh face would only further diminish Almiron’s first-team opportunities.
One problem area for Newcastle is the three-and-a-half year contract the Paraguayan signed in February 2023. Worth a reported £60,000 per week, this makes doing a deal with South American clubs difficult.
His agent, Daniel Campos, ruled out a return to South America amid reports that River Plate could make a move. He said on Monday: “He’s very well-liked and respected. There’s a lot of interest, the club only wants to sell. He still doesn’t want to return to South America.”
But fresh claims from Globo Esporto suggest that Botafogo - who won the Brazilian league earlier this month - are interested. MLS outfit Charlotte FC are also rumoured to be considering a fresh approach after being snubbed in the summer.
Almiron previously revealed he is happy to stay on Tyneside and fight for his place. However, the lack of game time makes him surplus to requirements at St James' Park and, given Newcastle's FFP/PSR woes, a move may be best for all parties.