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March 19, 2024
Newcastle United is open to selling Miguel Almirón this summer “if the right offer comes in.” Still, journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated to GIVEMESPORT that there are doubts about whether the Paraguay international would be interested in trading St James’ Park for the lucrative opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
Magpies chief executive Darren Eales has acknowledged that head coach Eddie Howe may need to offload several key players when the transfer window reopens. The club risks breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which has drawn the attention of rival clubs.
Additionally, Newcastle faces the serious possibility of missing out on European qualification.
Despite competing in the Champions League for the first time since the 2002/03 season, their early elimination during the group stage could hinder their chances of securing additional funds.
According to The Guardian, Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Shabab could not finalize a deal for Miguel Almirón during the closing stages of the winter transfer window. Newcastle was open to letting him go for their £30 million asking price before the deadline, but the transfer did not materialize.
The report indicates that Al-Shabab engaged in extensive discussions with the Premier League club after having an initial £17 million bid for the winger rejected. Almirón, who set a club record when he joined Newcastle from Atlanta United for £21 million five years ago, ultimately remained at St James’ Park. This outcome pleased head coach Eddie Howe, who publicly stated his desire to keep Almirón for the remainder of the season, even though statistics show the winger has struggled to replicate his previous form.
Respected reporter Ben Jacobs recently told GIVEMESPORT that Almirón turned down the chance to join Al-Shabab despite the clubs reaching a verbal agreement. A formal offer was never submitted because it became clear that a lucrative contract alone would not persuade him to make the move.
This decision was a significant setback for Al-Shabab, which had held talks with Newcastle for seven days and needed more time to identify an alternative target. The Saudi club believed they had a potential opportunity following chief executive Darren Eales’ acknowledgment that Newcastle is at risk of breaching spending regulations, as Almirón is set to enter the final two years of his £60,000-per-week contract this summer.
Ben Jacobs reports that Newcastle is prepared to sell Miguel Almirón when the transfer window reopens. Earlier this year, they verbally agreed with Al-Shabab for around £26 million. Still, it remains uncertain whether a move to Saudi Arabia appeals to the 30-year-old at this stage in his career.
This situation could complicate things for the six-time Saudi Pro League champions. However, further interest from clubs in other countries is expected. Newcastle’s decision to engage in lengthy discussions in early 2024 indicates that Almirón—whom head coach Eddie Howe has described as “unique”—could be made available with the backing of the Public Investment Fund.
Jacobs shared these insights with GIVEMESPORT.
“They will entertain the sale of Miguel Almiron. I mentioned in January that Al-Shabab had a verbal agreement with Newcastle for around €30million.
“As is sometimes the slightly atypical Saudi approach, they went to the club first. You would expect that because, even though Al- Shabab are not a PIF-controlled club, it was a lot easier for them to go to PIF first and thrash out the basics of an agreement.
“They then went to the player’s side and Almiron didn’t want to move at that point. Had he done so, Newcastle would have wrapped that one up in January.
“I would expect more interest in Miguel Almiron from Saudi Arabia and other countries as well because it’s still not clear whether the player would move to Saudi Arabia. But if the right offer comes in for Miguel Almiron, Newcastle will sell him.”
Newcastle United is contemplating the sale of Bruno Guimarães to enhance their chances of a summer spending spree, according to Football Insider. As the transfer window approaches, this decision has attracted interest from several Premier League and international clubs.
The report indicates that the Brazil international’s £100 million release clause makes him a top candidate for departure, even though he is a key player and has made 40 appearances this season. His performances have drawn attention from Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
It is reported that scouts from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain observed Guimarães during Newcastle’s FA Cup exit against Manchester City last weekend. The midfielder has also expressed frustration amid a disappointing season for his current club.
Sources for GIVEMESPORT recently revealed that Guimarães could be tempted to leave if one of his suitors aligns with his ambitions, particularly if Newcastle fails to secure European qualification. PSG has emerged as the frontrunner for his signature.
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