Almiron leaves MLS for Newcastle in record-breaking deal

Miguel Almiron is getting his chance to shine in Europe.

Newcastle completed the signing of the Paraguayan international on Thursday, nabbing the 24-year-old from Atlanta United in a deal that breaks Major League Soccer's record for the largest transfer.

The Magpies reportedly splashed £21 million (roughly $27 million) to bring the attacking midfielder to St. James' Park, which would also signal a record outlay for the Premier League side; it would eclipse the £16 million the club paid Real Madrid to sign Michael Owen in 2005.

"I'm very happy and eager to start and to meet my new teammates," Almiron said. "The league is very competitive, this is a historic club, and Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now.

"I think it is a great responsibility, something beautiful for me, and I will try to offer the best I can to repay the trust the club put in me."

In two seasons with Atlanta, Almiron scored 22 goals, adding 30 assists. The only player in MLS to be named an MVP finalist in each of the past two campaigns, the electrifying attacker was instrumental in helping the Five Stripes steamroll their way to a league title in 2018.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, knowing his side was in desperate need of some attacking flair, added: "We were following Miguel Almiron for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists.

"We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League but he has the potential to do what we are expecting, and what we need."