Farewell to Miguel Almiron

Adam McCabe is Prost Amerika’s Atlanta correspondent

We all knew it was coming. Yet we didn’t think it would happen this fast. We all heard the rumors, but did not want to believe the writing on the wall. We all knew of his talent, but did not want him to go. He finally has.

When Atlanta United first announced the signing of Miguel Almiron in 2016, I must admit I really was not fazed. I had never heard of him before and even though he was a Paraguayan international player, I did not want to fall for the hype train. Even when highlight video after highlight video came through social media, I was not willing to admit his talent level due to the opposition he was competing against in the Argentinean first division.

And then, this frail 23-year-old attacking midfielder, described by his Atlanta United teammate as the “one who runs like an ostrich” took this city and MLS by storm.

Early on, Almiron made it very clear that his ambitions surpassed the MLS and Atlanta United. He had dreams of playing in the big leagues, in Europe, and was using Atlanta United as a springboard to get him to the next level in his career. From the first practice, his magic on the ball was clear. His pace was undeniable, as many have noted he actually runs faster with the ball than without it. But what was so impressive about Almiron was the way in which he completely transformed MLS. His attacking tenacity and his creative flair intensified the era of searching for young South American talents as Designated Player signings in MLS.

Every Atlanta United fan will tell you the moment they knew Almiron was special. Some say it was the Snowstorm Game in 2017 against Minnesota United, as Almiron proved he could adapt to the travel, harsh weather, and physicality, yet still produce magic on the ball. For me, this occurred when Almiron single handedly took apart the Houston Dynamo in 2017, leading the way with a hat-trick in a 4-1 home victory at the Bobby Dodd Stadium.

While his first season with Atlanta United ended in disappointment with a nagging hamstring injury and an early exit the MLS Cup playoffs, Almiron had successfully announced himself to the league. Year two needed to be better, needed to be more complete, and needed to end with more silverware.

Entering this past season (2018), MLS teams were beginning to change their tactics, centering on stopping the dynamic duo he had created with Martinez. He felt the full brunt of these tactics, being targeted on numerous occasions with harsh tackles, being double teamed, and booed by opposing fans. But this would not stop him. Miguel continued to improve on his scoring form while still being the offensive spark for the Atlanta United offense.

Almiron redeemed the disappointing end to a season from a year ago, and helped lead the team to capturing MLS glory. Winning the MLS Cup and being named apart of the MLS Best XI, Almiron showed tremendous consistency and growth through the 2018 season.

His balance of 13 goals and 11 assists proved him to be an attacking threat who was drawing incredible interests from European suitors. Throughout the season, rumors flew left and right about his potential departure from Atlanta. Atlanta United fans heard that his stock would never be higher, that it was time for him to move on, but they did not fathom it would finally happen.

It seemed clear very early on that Newcastle United were interested in Atlanta’s star man. With the team struggling for form at the bottom of the Premier League and needing help on the offensive front, he would appear to be a great purchase for the club.

It was always natural that a rumor would surface during the English transfer window. However when it was suggested that Newcastle United were finding it hard to justify the price tag, it seemed the rumors and potential deal had officially died. As Atlanta United fans thought they were in the clear, rumors of a move to the Serie A with Napoli and La Liga with Real Betis emerged from practically thin air.

Then it happened. Confirmation. Miguel Almiron signed with Newcastle United for an estimated 20 Million Euros. He was gone.

What is fascinating about the Almiron move, as many have commented on, is the appearance of MLS at the end of this process. For so long, MLS has been seen as a league where former stars go to earn a paycheck and retire. MLS has been viewed as a league “less than” the others. MLS has been known as a buying league. Not anymore.

With Almiron’s sale (and that of Alphonso Davies from Vancouver Whitecaps to Bayern Munich) the appearance of MLS has drastically changed into a league that can develop players and then sell them from a profit. It is a league that is drawing young top talents from South America and helping them on their journey to bigger leagues.

In what ended up being Newcastle United’s biggest transfer ever, the move sent shockwaves across the globe that  the MLS had evolved. While I am happy to see Almiron follow his dreams and make the next jump in his career, I am sad to see him go. He brought so much happiness and joy to Atlanta United fans. Not only because of his excitement and abilities on the field, but his smile and enjoyment for life. He was a player who always appeared happy and loved the city of Atlanta as much as we loved him.

In Part 2, Adam looks at what Newcastle will get for their money.

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