Miguel Almiron has an uncertain future at Newcastle United after struggling for form and playing time this season. The 28-year-old was a regular during the first half of the campaign but has spent more of 2022 as an unused substitute.
Almiron’s contract at St James’ Park has two-and-a-half years to run, but he could be on the move this summer after failing to score or make an assist in 23 appearances across the board.
Newcastle are blessed with lucrative funds after their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, so a summer of separating the wheat from the chaff looks on the cards.
The Magpies want to challenge for European next season and Noel Whelan believes they’ll part with any deadwood not contributing on the pitch as a result.
He told Football Insider: “We’ve had moments and glimpses from him. But you’ve got to say, looking in terms of consistency and goals at the end of the season – he hasn’t done enough. The percentages and ratios don’t match.
“They’ve got to start looking now. If they’re going to rebuild now, they’re going to charge up the Premier League, they need to look at players who are a step ahead of Almiron.
“That’s why they’ve got the richest owners in the world, to spend big money on the cream of the crop in order to realise their dreams and aspirations at the top of the table.
“They will already be looking and planning ahead of this transfer window now, and unfortunately for Almiron – I can’t see how he fits in next season.”
Almiron hasn’t contributed a goal all season, so how will he survive the cull? The 28-year-old has started only one game since late-December and amassed only 90 minutes of Premier League football since the turn of the year, so it does appear he’s surplus to requirements. Newcastle will have a lot of money to sign upgrades.
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