Newcastle United have broken their transfer record to sign Miguel Almiron on deadline day and subsequently boost their chances of survival in the Premier League.
The Magpies have signed Almiron on a five and half year deal and have paid £21 million for the attacking midfielder.
Newcastle’s previous transfer record was held by Michael Owen who the club had signed for a fee of £16 million in 2015.
The lack of transfer activity before today was a bit strange considering the club didn’t really spend money for a while and Rafa Benitez had to do with minimal resources.
Despite more of Championship look about them, Benitez has brought the best out of the squad, and the club recently beat title challengers Manchester City.
Almiron had a pretty impressive spell at Atlanta United in the MLS, and despite playing in midfield, he scored 21 goals in 62 league games.
The 24-year old also provided 21 assists in the MLS, and the fans will hope that his arrival adds more creativity to the team, something the club have missed this season.
Newcastle have mustered just 21 goals in 24 league games, and are five points above the relegation zone. The fans will hope Almiron has an instant impact as there isn’t too much time to adapt to the league.
There was obviously a bit of excitement amongst the Newcastle fans as the club have finally ended the 14-year wait to break their transfer record which, in fairness, sounds a bit odd considering the amount of TV revenue on offer these days.
Owner Mike Ashley hasn’t supported the club and Benitez’s presence has helped the club stay afloat in the top flight.
The Magpies also signed Antonio Barreca on loan until the rest of the season. The addition of the two players has gotten people talking on Twitter.
Here are some of the best Tweets we could find.
What year is this? Newcastle signed a player. I’m so happy for you boys ?? up the TOON. Rafa finally got one! ?
— ?Aliko Mwambingu (@ALIKO_THOMAS) January 31, 2019
— Sam mclean (@smcleanclean) January 31, 2019
❤??⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/2DBDwVydPL
— Adrian Pountney (@AideyPountney89) January 31, 2019
It took a while for Newcastle to break their transfer record, didn’t it?
Miguel Almiron becomes Newcastle’s club record buy – he is the club’s 99th permanent signing since they bought previous record holder, Michael Owen, in Aug 2005
Between Owen & Almiron signings:
4901 days
620 games
11 managers
99 signings
2 promotions
2 relegations pic.twitter.com/465FNgPwJt— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 31, 2019
Newcastle have broken their transfer record for the first time in 14 years.
Miguel Almirón the first player they’ve spent over £20m to sign. ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/pesAP31YvX
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) January 31, 2019
✍️ 2005 – Michael Owen signs for £16m
✍️ 2019 – Miguel Almiron signs for £21mNewcastle have finally broken their transfer record! pic.twitter.com/4jc1nZs0Eo
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) January 31, 2019
Some are still pinching themselves…
Newcastle United Football Club owned by Mike Ashley have bought a player for 21 million pounds.
Can not really believe it. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/254RkkxV1j
— If Rafa Goes We Go (@IfRafaGoesWeGo) January 31, 2019
⚫ ⚪ Newcastle United have signed Monaco left-back Antonio Barreca on loan
TWO signings in 2 days, is Mike Ashley feeling okay?#NUFC pic.twitter.com/X3UGVtf3eY
— TheSportsman Transfers (@TSMTransfers) January 31, 2019
Mike Ashley to the fans, “I don’t spend what?”
Mike Ashley when Newcastle break their transfer record and signs not just one but two players on the same day #NUFC pic.twitter.com/p3QZJbay1C
— JΛKE BUCKLEY ?? (@TheMasterBucks) January 31, 2019