The transaction isn’t complete, but Atlanta United is close to completing the transfer of Miguel Almiron, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.
At a price of $12 million, plus his salary, Almiron would slide into one of Atlanta United’s two remaining Designated Player slots.
Atlanta United declined to comment about the transaction.
Almiron, 30 years old, played for Atlanta United in 2017 and ‘18 before he was sold to Newcastle in England’s Premier League for a reported fee that reached $24.7 million. Atlanta United paid Lanus less than $8 million for him before the ‘17 season.
The Paraguayan remains one of the more popular players in Atlanta United’s history because of his smile and attacking instincts while leading the club to MLS Cup in 2018.
Almiron scored 22 goals with 30 assists for the Five Stripes. He has scored 30 goals with 12 assists for Newcastle.
Almiron, left-footed, typically plays as a right wing but could play on the left or as an attacking midfielder for Atlanta United.
Atlanta United President Garth Lagerwey said two weeks ago that Atlanta United was pursuing signees who could complement attacking midfielder Alexey Miranchuk’s passing skills. Speed on the wings with Saba Lobjanidze and Edwin Mosquera, and at striker with Jamal Thiare, was used by the club to upset Inter Miami in last year’s playoffs.
Atlanta United’s pursuit of a striker is ongoing. One of its targets, Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath, suffered a groin injury last weekend. Atlanta United’s interest in him will depend upon the severity of the injury, according to another person with knowledge.
About the Author
