FanSided MLS
·2 January 2025
FanSided MLS
·2 January 2025
Sometimes, we latch onto stories that seem downright impossible, but every now and then, they manage to shock the world. Miguel Almirón, the Paraguayan star who used to be the heartbeat of Atlanta United and now shines in the Premier League for Newcastle United, might soon be leaving England. Why? Because Charlotte FC is making bold moves to bring the playmaker back to the U.S.
Sounds crazy, right? Negotiations are already underway, and the rumored price tag, $10 million, shows Charlotte isn’t messing around. But let’s be real: can a still-developing club like Charlotte FC truly convince a top-tier player like Almirón to take such an unexpected leap?
Almirón is a huge name by Major League Soccer standards. Just think back to his time with Atlanta United, where he won every trophy he could, and the hearts of the fans, too. When he left for Newcastle in 2019, it wasn’t just a record-breaking transfer for MLS; it was a statement, proving the league could be a legitimate launching pad for global talent.
Now, there’s talk of a comeback, but for a fraction of the price Newcastle paid for him back then. Sure, $10 million is no small change in MLS, but for a player of Almirón’s caliber, it feels like a steal.
Here’s the thing, though: Almirón is in solid form over in England. After a few ups and downs, he’s finally cemented himself as a key piece of Newcastle’s puzzle, playing a vital role in their push to consistently stay near the top of the table. Leaving all that behind to return to the U.S. would be, well, surprising at the very least.
And let’s not sugarcoat it, Charlotte FC is no heavyweight in MLS. They’re still the new kids on the block, figuring out their identity and trying to build a competitive squad. Sure, bringing in a name like Miguel Almirón could change everything, turning the team into more than just another league newcomer.
But to pull this off, Charlotte has to convince Almirón that the project is worth it, and that’s no easy task. The guy’s playing the best soccer of his career in the most competitive league in the world. Why would he swap all that for a project that’s still finding its footing?
This isn’t just about signing a talented player, it’s about sending a message. In MLS, there’s a quiet race for relevance. Clubs like Inter Miami, LAFC, and even Atlanta United have shown that big signings can redefine how a team is perceived. Charlotte, on the other hand, is still hunting for its first marquee name.
That $10 million offer? It’s ambitious, no doubt. But it could also come across as a little desperate. Does Charlotte even have the infrastructure and roster to give Almirón the support he’d need to thrive? Signing a star just to leave him stranded in a weak lineup can backfire, and MLS has seen that happen more than once.
Then there’s Newcastle to think about. The club has been splashing the cash since that Saudi-led takeover, and Almirón has been a key part of their rebuild. As always, it boils down to money. Ten million dollars might not be enough to make Newcastle flinch. Sure, Almirón isn’t their most valuable player, but he delivers results and knows the coach’s system inside out. If Charlotte’s really serious about closing this deal, they might need to dig even deeper into their pockets.
On one hand, bringing back players like Almirón is a huge win for MLS, especially as the league works to establish itself as a genuine destination for international talent. On the other, Charlotte FC runs the risk of looking like a team trying to sprint before it’s even learned to walk.