Newcastle United took a huge step to securing their Premier League status for next season by defeating Wolves 1-0 on Friday, as Eddie Howe ’s side once again moved 10 points clear of the relegation zone with seven games to play.
With it looking highly unlikely that the Magpies will go down, Howe may start to experiment with his squad in preparation for next season and is planning on unleashing a “real weapon” in his side in the form of Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan is likely to benefit from the unfortunate injury to Ryan Fraser and will be given the opportunity to prove his worth at St. James’ Park ahead of a potential summer exit.
Almiron has come back into the fold of late and was given an unlikely opportunity to impress for the Magpies during Friday’s victory over Wolves, coming on as a 13th minute substitute for the injured Fraser, and Howe was full of praise for the 28-year-old following his impressive performance.
He said: "I thought Miggy did really well. Miggy has been away on international duty, then he was ill, so we haven't seen a great deal of him. But never doubt him physically. Despite the fact he hasn't trained with us a great deal, I backed him physically to play that time, and the energy and pressing that Miggy gives you is a real weapon.
"He was tireless, his defensive positioning was very good and he had moments where he affected it in the final third, several good runs in behind. He played his part in the VAR goal that was disallowed, so a really good night for Miggy, I thought."
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Almiron had started for the Magpies in his two previous appearances prior to Friday’s game, after working his way back into the set up following the injury to Allan Saint-Maximin, in which Howe tried a number of options to cover for the Frenchman’s absence.
But the attacking midfielder has failed to record a single goal or assist in 23 Premier League appearances this season and was suspected to be one of many players that the Magpies will look to offload at the end of the season, with the club’s hierarchy aware of better options lurking elsewhere.
Yet Almiron’s agent is currently working on negotiations for his client’s future at St. James’ Park, yet it is unlikely to end with a positive outcome should the South American fail to make a worthy impact on Tyneside between now and the end of the season.
Just last month, former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan struggled to see where the Paraguayan “fits” in Eddie Howe ’s side ahead of the next campaign, telling 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. 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.”
The former club-record signing still has two years on his contract but, unfortunately for him, it means no guaranteed place in the squad for next season. Almiron is running out of time, but Howe looks set to give him a last chance saloon - which he must grab with both hands.
