Miguel Almiron heading for Newcastle United exit, amid conflicting transfer claims

Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron gives the thumbs up during a Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on January 16, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
(Image credit: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Conflicting reports about Miguel Almiron’s Newcastle United future have emerged with claims that he is on the verge of a switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab quickly getting shot down.

Broadcaster Ben Jacobs claimed on X that a provisional agreement had been reached between the two clubs, with Newcastle believed to be keen to alleviate any potential concerns about profit and sustainability issues by countenancing player sales this month.

However, The Times’ Martin Hardy quickly rebuffed that notion, himself writing on X: “Told nothing - as it stands - going on or agreed with regards to Miguel Almiron and a possible move to Saudi Arabia.”

Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on November 25, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Several of Eddie Howe's squad have been linked with exits (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards added to that, saying that a move ‘does not appear to be happening at the moment’.

The Paraguayan winger has been a regular for Eddie Howe’s this season, claiming five goals and two assists in 31 appearances in all competitions, and still has two and a half years left on his deal at St James’ Park.

However, Newcastle will be wary of the need to improve their profit and loss position after recently announcing a loss of £73.4m for the financial year 2022/23, following on from a loss of £70.7m the previous year.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James' Park on January 13, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Kieran Trippier could also leave Newcastle this month (Image credit: Getty Images)

Premier League clubs are only permitted to make losses averaging £35m per year over any three year period, and going over that figure can lead to penalties including points deductions. Nottingham Forest and Everton are currently under investigation for such breaches.

The implications of that has reportedly left Newcastle open to the idea of player sales this month, with Kieran Trippier also linked with a move to Bayern Munich. Chris Wood and Allan Saint-Maximin moved to Nottingham Forest and Al-Ahli respectively in the summer for reported eight-figure transfer fees.

Newcastle’s appearance in the Champions League this season will also have provided a substantial boost to their coffers, despite the club having already exited the competition after finishing bottom of a tough group.

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Steven Chicken

Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.