Miguel Almiron, a key player for Newcastle United over the past several seasons, is reportedly seeking a move away from the Premier League club, with Argentine giants River Plate emerging as the frontrunner for his signature. The 30-year-old winger has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park, prompting speculation that he may pursue a return to his native South America.
Almiron’s relationship with Newcastle has been a successful yet tumultuous one. Since joining the club from Atlanta United in January 2019, the Paraguayan international has made 214 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 30 goals. However, his recent involvement in the first team has been limited. Since March 2024, Almiron has started just a single Premier League match, a dramatic fall from the regular starting role he enjoyed in previous seasons. This decline in playing time is largely due to the rise of other attackers at Newcastle, including Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, and even midfielder Joelinton, who has been deployed as a winger in recent games.
This shift in the squad dynamic has left Almiron on the fringes of the team, and with the winter transfer window fast approaching, rumors of his departure are gaining traction. Almiron’s lack of regular first-team football has led to speculation that he might seek a move to a club where he can once again play a central role. Reports from Argentina suggest that River Plate is keen to bring the winger back to South America, with the club eager to bolster their squad for upcoming competitions.
River Plate, one of the most successful and popular clubs in Argentina, is known for its passionate fanbase, which includes a significant following from Almiron’s family. The club boasts an average attendance of 83,812 fans at their home ground, the Estadio Monumental, making it the best-supported football stadium in the world for 2024. River Plate’s rich history and the potential to play in front of tens of thousands of supporters could be a significant draw for Almiron, especially if it guarantees him regular starting appearances—a luxury he is no longer guaranteed at Newcastle.
Almiron’s connection to River Plate is deep-rooted in his childhood. The winger has frequently mentioned in interviews that he has been a fan of the club since he was a boy, citing his father’s Argentine heritage as a key influence. “When I was a kid, I watched all the [River Plate] games. I was a big fan because my father’s family is Argentine,” Almiron revealed in a recent interview. “Whenever I can and when the schedule allows it, I watch the games with my family. I always wanted to play for River, it is one of my greatest dreams.” This passion for River Plate, coupled with his desire for a fresh challenge, could make a move to the club a perfect fit for Almiron.
While Almiron remains under contract with Newcastle until 2026, his potential departure has been the subject of ongoing rumors. His name was linked with clubs in the Saudi Pro League earlier in 2024, but talks did not materialize into a transfer. Additionally, MLS side Charlotte FC reportedly expressed interest in signing him but balked at Newcastle’s £15 million valuation. Almiron has also been mentioned in connection with Premier League side Fulham, but no formal offers have been made to date.
Despite the speculation, Almiron is said to be comfortable in his current environment, with no immediate plans to push for a move. However, the allure of a return to River Plate, where he could fulfill his childhood dream of playing for one of South America’s most storied clubs, could be too strong to resist. If River Plate formalizes their interest, they would likely offer a contract that guarantees him more regular playing time, a factor that would be crucial for Almiron, who is eager to maintain his international form for Paraguay.
The potential departure of Almiron would also have broader implications for Newcastle United. If they decide to sell the winger, they could free up space in their squad and potentially reinvest the funds into strengthening other areas of their team. With the January transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on Almiron’s next move, and whether the dream of playing for River Plate will finally become a reality.
For now, Almiron continues to focus on his duties with Newcastle, but his future remains uncertain, and a move to River Plate could soon be on the cards. Whether he makes the switch in January or later remains to be seen, but the possibility of a return to his roots and a new chapter in his career is certainly a tantalizing prospect for both the player and the club.
