Report: Atlanta, Newcastle agree to record-breaking Almiron transfer
Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron is jetting off to England to put the final touches on a transfer to Newcastle United, according to Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The deal will be worth around $27 million, according to The Telegraph's John Percy.
That would trump the MLS transaction record from last July when Bayern Munich landed Alphonso Davies for a potential $22 million. It would also break Newcastle's club-record transfer fee that has incredibly stood since Michael Owen joined from Real Madrid in 2005.
Both clubs agreed to terms Tuesday, a source close to the player told Roberson. The Newcastle Chronicle's Lee Ryder corroborated the report from across the pond, stating "talks are back on" and adding that Almiron is Newcastle-bound.
Rafa was in a really good mood on way in. Clearly had word on Almiron. #nufc pic.twitter.com/4TgPRmG2xi
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 29, 2019
Almiron's displays over two MLS terms have been widely lauded in North America. The 25-year-old notched nine goals and eight assists in the 2017 league campaign before netting 13 times and adding 11 helpers in 2018 as Atlanta United clinched silverware in their sophomore season. He has been capped 12 times by Paraguay.
The attacker's anticipated departure will resolve the reigning MLS Cup champions' surplus Designated Player issue following Pity Martinez's arrival from River Plate last week.
Newcastle could still be busy in the final few days of the January transfer window. The Telegraph's Luke Edwards reports the club is hoping to broker loan deals for Benfica's Andreas Samaris and Monaco's Antonio Barreca before business closes at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday.