Atlanta United’s protracted negotiations with Newcastle United for Miguel Almiron turned out to give both sides what they want. Newcastle got a star young attacking midfielder, with Atlanta United turning a profit in a record transfer deal.
According to Atlanta United club president Darren Eales, the deal has set the table for future transfers out of MLS.
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“Clearly, Rafa (Benitez) wanted the player and they had done their homework,” Eales told the Newcastle Chronicle. “He was someone they had thought about. They had done their due diligence and thought ‘okay, we’re going to push the button on this one’.
“It was important for Miggy because it was his dream. It was important for the league, too, for that type of number. It is by far and away the record transfer fee for MLS. I think we have helped to set the table for future transfers.”
Almiron’s $27 million deal to Newcastle raises the value of all players coming out of MLS. With South Americans looking north and young Americans looking to move to Europe, European clubs are now beginning to see the Smerican market as a good proving ground for raw talent, and a cut-rate prices compared to Europe.
