EDDIE HOWE says the ‘time was right’ for Miguel Almiron to leave Newcastle United after the midfielder’s move to Atlanta United was confirmed.
Almiron has rejoined Atlanta in a deal worth around £11m, ending his six-year stay on Tyneside.
The Paraguayan forward is not expected to be replaced before the end of the month, but having rejected previous offers for Almiron, the Newcastle hierarchy accepted Atlanta’s offer earlier this month.
Having joined the Magpies for a then-club-record fee in January 2019, Almiron has gone on to make 223 senior appearances for Newcastle, scoring 30 goals.
His energy and enthusiasm made him a firm fans’ favourite, first under Rafael Benitez, who was the head coach when he joined, then under both Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe.
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He remained an extremely influential figure last season, scoring in Newcastle’s thrashing of Paris St Germain in the Champions League, but has struggled to make any kind of impression on the first team this season.
He has only made one Premier League start this term, and came off the bench in the final stages of last weekend’s 3-1 win at Southampton to make what proved to be his final Newcastle appearance.
After six years at the club, we can confirm that Miguel Almirón has joined Atlanta United on a permanent deal.
Thank you for giving us some incredibly special memories, Miggy. Wishing you every success in the future! ???????? pic.twitter.com/wcwliOupda
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 30, 2025
He said an emotional goodbye to the travelling Magpies fans before heading to the US to complete the formalities of his return to Atlanta.
He has signed a long-term deal with the MLS club, and will kick off his second spell in the United States when the new season begins at the end of next month.
“On behalf of the club, I want to thank Miggy for everything he has given us during our time together,” said Howe. “He has been the ultimate professional, and he has been a big part of some of our most memorable moments in recent seasons.
“He is a great person and we’ll miss him greatly, but this is the right move at the right time for him and his family and we wish them well.”
