Saudi Arabia has become a giant in terms of signing talented players from European clubs all around the world. Some have termed this a talent drain, while others have marveled at the SPL becoming a top league in competition with the major European leagues. Nonetheless, there have been some issues leaking out of the crakes that have not gone unnoticed.
Just like the transfer of Jodan Henderson back to Europe and the reported unhappiness of Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad, another piece of news that has come out recently is also one to look at, and it involves Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron.
Almiron’s Al-Shabab move reportedly hits dead-end
The transfer of Miguel Almiron to Al-Shabab, who have completed the signing of Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla, was called off due to negotiations breaking down. It was reported that due to having huge losses of around £73.4 million ($93.6 million) in the last tax year, Newcastle United, who are backed by Saudi Arabia themselves, had to bring money in to balance the books so that they could complete any January signings.
Out of nowhere, Al-Shabab seemingly came to the rescue for the Premier League side and offered £17 million for the Paraguayan right-winger, who is also sufficiently capable of playing as an attacking right-back or right wing-back for his team.
Although the initial offer was rejected, according to sources, both clubs did reach a verbal agreement for the £30.00 million-rated player. But the recent reports have stated otherwise.
Sources report that Almiron’s move to Al-Shabab has been canceled despite a verbal agreement last week because the player does not want to make a move to Saudi Arabia yet.
It is also reported that the Saudi club failed to match the £30 million asking price of the Premier League club for the player. The recent turn of events has made the deal complicated, with it surely being off now since there is not much time left in the current window to renegotiate a deal.
Miguel Almiron has been an influential player for Newcastle United, and it was a surprise to see them even negotiating the departure of their star right-winger after he helped them finish fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League last season.
Almiron to feature in Premier League fixture
After the events where the move to the Saudi club was called off, the former Atlanta player has been named in the squad list for Newcastle’s upcoming match against Aston Villa, who have been in top form and recently defeated defending champions Manchester City.
According to reports, the Paraguayan right-winger has traveled to the Midlands with the team and will be available for selection for Eddie Howe’s side. It will be a boost for the Magpies, as he missed the victory against Fulham due to illness last Saturday.
Even though the player has not been in form this season, his form last season was insane, with him scoring 11 goals and providing 2 assists in as many matches for the side in all competitions. These are great numbers that reeks of talent considering he was often deployed with more defensive duties for the counter-attack-focused side.
Due to his form last season, Miguel Almiron has attracted lots of interest from clubs around the world. Do you think there could be a surprise transfer move for the player this late in the January window? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
