‘Miggy is home’ – Atlanta United FC fans flood the airport to welcome back Miguel Almiron after his move from Newcastle United

After weeks of rumors, Atlanta United FC and Newcastle United confirmed that the two parties had agreed to a move for Miguel Almiron. The 30-year-old forward signed for the Magpies in 2019 and made over 200 appearances for them in the process. However, he has struggled to gain a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI and had dropped down the pecking order this season.

It meant that the St James Park side were open to a move for the Paraguayan and managed to reach an agreement with Atalanta United over a potential $10 million fee. The move was met with great aplomb from the Five Stripes fans with a crowd of people gathered to greet the forward as he landed at the airport.

The reception showed that the Atlanta fans clearly haven’t forgotten the star, who led Atlanta to their first MLS Cup in 2018.

The 30-year-old signed for Newcastle United in 2019 from Atlanta United and a lot was expected from the forward after the big money move. However, things didn’t quite go according to plan for the Magpies although Almiron eventually became a fan favourite. That was thanks to his performances in the 2022-23 season for the Magpies, where he contributed to 15 goals across all competitions as the club finished fourth in the Premier League.

However, with his situation at St James Park changing, the move was one that Atlanta United were happy to make with Chris Henderson overjoyed at the deal.

Henderson, the Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director at Atlanta, gushed about Almiron, saying “We’re thrilled to welcome Miguel back to Atlanta United and know we’re getting a top player and someone with excellent character. He’s a dynamic attacking player with proven success in MLS and at the highest level in Europe."

After a quarterfinals loss to Orlando City FC in the 2024 MLS Cup, Atalanta United have used the off-season window to reinforce their squad.

Almiron joins former Atalanta BC attacker Alexey Miranchuk (who arrived last season) and former Leeds United and D.C. United midfielder Mateusz Klich alongside several other players. It has given fans hope for the future especially with the club kicking off their 2025 MLS season with a home game against Montreal CF.