Miguel Almirón Is Back at Atlanta United | OneFootball

Here we are again, folks, with another chapter in the saga of Miguel Almirón, the Argentine midfielder who lit up the field here and caught the eyes of U.S. fans. And this time, the story takes a twist, he’s heading back to Atlanta. Now, you might be scratching your head and thinking, “Wait, this guy went to Europe, made a name for himself, got sold, and now he’s coming back to U.S. soccer?” Yep, that’s the move. And honestly, let me tell you something that might surprise you, I think Newcastle made a mistake with this one. Stick with me, and I’ll explain why.

First off, Major League Soccer (MLS) is quickly becoming an attractive destination for players who don’t want the pressure of European football but still have plenty to offer. When Atlanta United made this move, it wasn’t just about the cash, though, yeah, $12 million is no chump change. The signing of Almirón brings a lot more to the table: visibility, skill, and that extra spark of a player who’s already shown he can shine on big stages.

Almirón was one of the first big success stories for a South American player in the MLS to make the jump to European football. His impact over there was huge, but for some reason, the English side just couldn’t tap into his full potential. Now, in Atlanta, he could very well be the man again.

So what’s Newcastle thinking with this one? I mean, let’s be real, $12 million for Almirón doesn’t exactly scream "great deal," does it? Okay, sure, he didn’t turn into the star that some folks expected, but I’d argue that’s more about the timing and the circumstances than his actual talent. When Almirón joined Newcastle, they were in the middle of a rebuild, far from the stable, competitive club they’ve become today. He had some good moments, but he was never really utilized to his fullest. I’m not here to bash the team, but let’s be honest, the Premier League style of play just didn’t suit him.

Now, why sell him now? Just as the league starts to heat up and Almirón could have a chance to be the main man again, Newcastle lets him go, almost like they’re unloading some baggage. Sure, $12 million isn’t exactly pocket change, but in Premier League terms? It’s not going to have the Geordie faithful doing cartwheels.

Looking at this deal, I can’t help but feel like Newcastle missed a golden opportunity. If they had played to Almirón’s strengths and given him the right setup, he could’ve been way more than just a guy who passed through the Premier League. He could’ve been a game-changer.

What we’re seeing here is a reflection of a league that’s maturing and carving its own path. Gone are the days when the MLS was just a retirement home for washed-up stars. Now, the league’s focusing on young talent and players like Almirón, who have the potential to be big both on and off the field. The fact that a player with this much promise is coming back to U.S. soccer is a strategic move that shows just how much the MLS has evolved.