‘Talks taking place’ - Newcastle in discussions to sell star with 209 appearances as replacement identified

Newcastle United could be set to cash in on Paraguayan international Miguel Almiron after five and half years in the North East. That’s according to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie who claims that the Magpies are currently in talks with an unnamed Saudi Pro League club over the sale of the 30-year-old.

Downie tweeted on Monday 1 July: “Newcastle United are in talks with a Saudi Pro-League club over the sale of Miguel Almiron. Newcastle could be set to cash in on the Paraguayan international, with the Saudi transfer window opening today.  Unclear the fee & to which Saudi club, but understand talks have been taking place regarding the 30-year-old.”

Almiron arrived at Newcastle from Atlanta in January 2019 for a then club-record fee of £21m - eclipsing the £17m fee paid for Michael Owen in 2007. The winger played a crucial role in helping Rafael Benitez’s side beat relegation and remained a stalwart in the side under both Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe.

At the peak of his powers, Almiron was renowned for his electric pace, his excellent work rate and his ability to press opposition defenders. He played a crucial role in helping the team reach the Champions League during the 2022/23 when he scored 11 goals and provided three assists in the league. However, his performances in the most recent season dipped and with just three goals and one assists it is suspected that now could be the time to cash in as Howe looks to raise the funds to build a new look attack for next term.

Newcastle are believed to be in the market for a right winger this summer and it is suspected that the sale of Almiron could be used to raise funds for Nottingham Forest ace Anthony Elanga, according to TeamTalk. The Swedish international had been mentioned as a potential swap option for the sale of Elliot Anderson, but that ended up being a direct £35m sale.

Elanga is a product of the Manchester United academy, renowned for his blistering speed and ability to take on opposition defenders. He was given limited chances to impress at Old Trafford but has showcased great potential in his debut season at Nottingham Forest following last summer’s £15m move.

Overall, Elanga registered five goals and nine assists in 36 Premier League appearances and was integral to his side’s 17th place finish. At just 22-years of age, he is significantly younger than Almiron and already has a sense of familiarity with Isak, having lined up alongside him at international level. A move for Elanga would mark the second arrival from the City Ground this summer, following a deal to sign goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Vlachodimos was a first team regular at Portuguese giants Benfica for five seasons and has represented Greece on 42 occasions at international level. He signed for Forest in the summer of 2023 but made just seven appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign and fell down the pecking order after the arrival of former Toon shot-stopper Matz Selz.

Odysseas said: "I am very happy to be joining Newcastle United. It's an honour for me to be part of this huge club, with excellent players and a great coach. I can't wait to get started!"

Newcastle United head coach, Eddie Howe, added: “Odysseas is very experienced at elite European and international level and he joins a strong group of senior goalkeepers. That strength in depth is valuable and means we go into the new season with strong competition in a key area."