DONE DEAL-End of the road for Almiron as Newcastle Utd agrees deal for £50m “magician”, official announcement and further details revealed
The 2024/25 season stands as a decisive period for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, as the team aspires to re-enter the elite arena of Champions League football. Last season was a heartbreaker for the Magpies, who missed out on all forms of European competition. The defining moment came when Manchester United triumphed over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, thereby securing the last available Europa League spot and leaving Newcastle empty-handed.
In response to this setback, Howe is determined to fortify his squad to increase their prospects of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. However, financial constraints have posed significant challenges, forcing the club to rely on player sales to generate the necessary funds for new acquisitions.
In recent weeks, Newcastle facilitated the transfers of Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest. These transactions brought in a substantial £68 million but also meant parting with two of their most promising young talents. Despite the losses, Howe is keen to reinvest these funds in a new attacker, aiming to complete his offensive puzzle. The club has set its sights on Barcelona’s Brazilian winger Raphinha, a player whose addition could potentially transform Newcastle’s frontline.
Renowned journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Newcastle has initiated talks with Raphinha regarding a move to St James’ Park this summer. The 27-year-old winger has been a constant subject of speculation for a return to the Premier League, following his impressive tenure with Leeds United. During his time at Elland Road, Raphinha amassed 29 goal contributions in 67 appearances, showcasing his remarkable talent. His stellar performances earned him a big-money move to Barcelona, but his impact in Spain has been muted due to the emergence of 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who recently won the Young Player of the Tournament at the European Championships.
Despite managing to feature in 37 matches across all competitions last season, Raphinha is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League. Barcelona, on the other hand, is willing to part with the Brazilian winger for a fee in the region of £50 million.
Parallelly, Miguel Almiron, who transferred from Atlanta United in the MLS over five years ago for £20 million, has seen his importance within the Newcastle squad wane over the years. Although Almiron enjoyed a sensational goalscoring streak in the 2022/23 season, where he netted eight goals in just nine Premier League games, he failed to replicate that form last season, scoring only three times. Despite his lackluster performance, Almiron continues to attract interest from several Saudi Arabian clubs, as highlighted by journalist Keith Downie.
When comparing the statistics, Raphinha’s numbers stand out. Last season, he registered 11 more goal contributions than Almiron, even though he played five fewer games. Raphinha also averages more progressive passes per 90 minutes and takes double the number of shots, indicating his offensive capability. Additionally, he successfully completed 8% more take-ons, underlining his direct and aggressive playstyle – attributes that would seamlessly integrate into Howe’s tactical setup.
Raphinha, often dubbed a “magician” by former teammate Dan James, brings a dynamic and creative edge to the field. His ability to navigate through defenses, create scoring opportunities, and execute decisive plays in the final third makes him an invaluable asset. His potential arrival at Newcastle would not only enhance the team’s attacking prowess but also provide the necessary impetus for their Champions League ambitions.
While the £50 million price tag may seem steep, Raphinha’s acquisition would represent a significant step forward for Newcastle. His presence could allow the club to finally part ways with Almiron, whose contributions have dwindled. As Newcastle embarks on this crucial season, their strategic recruitment will be pivotal in determining their success. Securing a player of Raphinha’s caliber could be the key to unlocking their potential and propelling them back into Europe’s premier competition.
Eddie Howe’s meticulous approach to rebuilding the squad and his focus on acquiring top-tier talent demonstrate the club’s commitment to returning to the Champions League. The addition of Raphinha would symbolize a bold statement of intent, signaling Newcastle’s ambition and readiness to compete at the highest level. The upcoming season holds immense promise, and with the right moves in the transfer market, Newcastle United could be poised for a triumphant return to European football.
