Newcastle chief Darren Eales on Miguel Almiron 'dream'…

Newcastle chief Darren Eales on Miguel Almiron 'dream' and tribute to Eddie Howe for player 'buy in'

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales has heaped praise on Eddie Howe for unlocking Miguel Almiron's best form in a black and white shirt.

Almiron was actually Eales' first signing after he kicked off the MLS franchise at Atlanta United before his £21million move to Newcastle in January 2019 for a club record for the American side. Eales watched on as Almiron scored 21 goals in MLS to grab the attention of Rafa Benitez.

With Almiron now in form and the countdown to his current contract expiration at two years the duo could be on board at the same club for some time yet. Eales is finding his feet as CEO but Almiron - at 28 - could be ready to commit his peak years to the club.

Eales said: "Look, I mean it’s funny, because Miggy was one of the first signings when I was at Atlanta, and it was his dream to come to the Premier League, so it was one of those strange ones where when you did the transfer, probably more than any other one, I was really pleased for Miggy as well.

"What I would say, is I saw what Miggy was capable of at Atlanta, and no one could doubt his passion, commitment and personality. He’s a great guy to have around.

"And I would say another shout out to Eddie and the team because I think what you’ve seen in everything Eddie’s done since he’s come in, it’s been about developing players."

Indeed, Howe's work on the training ground with Almiron, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar has been there for all to see in recent times. Eales said: "It’s not just about spending money and bringing in players from outside. "What he’s done with that core of that squad that’s just gone from strength to strength.

"You’ve seen it from last season. It was amazing to finish where we did, but with a pre-season, and the way we’ve almost kicked on again in terms of style of play.

"Eddie talks about ‘intensity is our identity’. From my perspective, the way he went on the front foot against Manchester City was incredible."

But it is Almiron's six goals that have propelled Newcastle into a Champions League position. Eales said: "No one’s more delighted than I am that you’ve seen Miggy really deliver.

"He’s top scorer at the moment in terms of the squad. He’s just one of a squad of players that are all working their hardest. Eddie’s got everyone bought in. That’s a really exciting thing for Newcastle fans. You can see they’ve got that buy in. He also understands the club and culture."

Newcastle chief Darren Eales on Miguel Almiron 'dream' and tribute to Eddie Howe for player 'buy in'

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