Newcastle United ‘looking now’ to sign A-list star to replace Miguel Almiron after update – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed he can’t see how Miguel Almiron “fits in” at Newcastle United going forward.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Magpies will be looking to sign players who are a “step ahead” of the 28-year-old.
Almiron made his first Premier League start since New Year’s Day as Newcastle were defeated by Chelsea on Sunday (13 March).
The Paraguay international has failed to register a goal or assist in 23 appearances this term.
According to The Times (5 March), Almiron will lead a seven-man exodus as Eddie Howe’s side plan a “huge first-team overhaul” this summer.
Whelan insisted the Magpies will spend “big money” this summer to realise their ambitions atop the Premier League.
“We’ve had moments and glimpses from him,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“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.
“That’s why they’ve got the richest owners in the world, to spend big money on the cream of the crop in order to realise their dreams and aspirations at the top of the table.
“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.”
Almiron cost Newcastle a reported then club-record £21million fee in 2019.
The midfielder has notched 13 goals and five assists in 114 appearances for the Magpies.
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