The words of Miguel Almiron’s agent, Daniel Campos, were as clear as day, there in black and white.
“In England, they say he’s a “Premier League-style” player. I think that if it wasn’t for the pandemic, he would’ve been playing in a different team. But oh well, what happened happened."
Years ago, perhaps before the invention of social media and even the internet, football managers could claim interviews done abroad while a player was on international duty had been ‘lost in translation’.
There was no such problem here. Campos’ words read like a statement of intent, and while Almiron has not said anything, it would indicate the player is considering his options.
Of course, a player saying they want to leave and doing so are two wildly different situations and right now Newcastle hold all of the cards.
Almiron is under contract until 2024, and that reason alone will mean the club are in no rush to facilitate a sale. Any deal would also likely require the Magpies to make a hefty profit on their investment - a reported £21 million - which in this current market feels unlikely.
The former Atlanta United star has been nothing but professional since joining the Magpies, but that doesn’t mean his agent’s words should be ignored entirely.
“Obviously, if it was a team with much more movement and possession, Miguel would’ve showcased more.”
Almiron was Newcastle’s top-scorer in all competitions last term, thanks largely to some excellent form in the FA Cup.
This season, however, the Paraguayan has been more of a defensive midfielder than a playmaker. Steve Bruce may be content with the notion that his side is a ‘work in progress’, but Campos’ words indicate what many have felt: this team is not getting the most out of its players.
When Almiron arrived, his role in the side was clear. He was a ball-carrying midfielder that was tasked with creating chances for strikers Ayoze Perez and Saloman Rondon. While both men have now left, the arrival of Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson should have filled that void and allowed Almiron to remain as a creative force.
Instead, he has changed positionally to the point where he is closer to a box-to-box midfielder. Interestingly, this season Almiron has averaged the most key passes per 90 minutes among the Newcastle squad, via WhoScored.
There is a case to be made that Almiron should be allowed to play higher up the field, and if Bruce is committed to a back three, then it should also come with the use of a front three including Saint-Maximin and Almiron.
At the same time, the words of his agents should set off alarm bells at St James’ Park. Newcastle’s style of play has been criticised for lacking any pattern or style, and they continue to be dominated in the possession stakes.
The subtle remarks in the press may start with Almiron, but it begs the question about how long the likes of Saint-Maximin and Wilson will put up with so little of the ball before voicing similar frustrations, via their agents or personally.
Campos may have irked some fans with his comments this week, but they speak to a wider problem at Newcastle United, and one that Bruce must rectify as soon as possible.
He can’t allow the Magpies to become a shapeless mess under his guidance, or Almiron won’t be the last to plot an exit strategy.
