Make no mistake, it’s fantastic news for Newcastle that Miguel Almiron has signed for the club. The Paraguayan midfielder will add so much class to the Newcastle midfield and attack, and he’ll play a big role in determining where the Magpies finish come the end of the season.
He could also have a big impact on the future of Rafael Benitez, who in recent weeks has cut a forlorn figure in the dugout at St. James’ Park.
However, his signing does leave you wondering – why? Why has Mike Ashley decided to break Newcastle’s transfer record now, and why has he done it for Miguel Almiron?
The first question is somewhat easier to answer. Rafael Benitez has spoken in recent days of his unhappiness at the club, and as per the Telegraph, he also recently refused to rule out a premature Newcastle exit ahead of the expiration of his contract at the club.
In theory, signing Almiron could be enough to satisfy Benitez for now, and in the short-term, that’s reason enough to sign the player.
However, what’s perhaps more confusing is, why Almiron? Why is he the player that the club have moved for? Specifically, Mike Ashley has been increasingly unwilling to spend money over the years – everyone knows that.
So why has he chosen to splash all this money on a playmaker that has only been tested in the MLS? That league is a level below the Premier League, and so his arrival is undeniably a huge risk for the club.
In the past, Ashley has only been willing to sign young players on the cheap or reliable yet unspectacular players with a proven track record. He’s never been one to spend big on potential. Almiron doesn’t tick either of those boxes, and though it’s an exciting prospect for Newcastle – it does raise a few eyebrows.
At present, we don’t have the answers to this question – and you can’t question Ashley after he finally has relented and spent some money – but perhaps we’ll find them out over the coming weeks. If he does well, the club will be vindicated, and perhaps it could lead to further spending. However, if he struggles, Newcastle could be even worse off.
Thoughts?
