Miguel Almiron became Newcastle United’s record signing in the January of 2019. His fee, reported as £21m eclipsing the previous record fee paid for Michael Owen way back in 2005. The signing was unexpected as the long stand off between Rafa Benitez (fuming at a lack of investment since his arrival) and Mike Ashley seemed to be drawing to an inevitable conclusion of the Spaniard leaving in the summer of 2019. The signing of Almiron, Rafa’s supposed top target, looked to be an olive branch and was certainly needed with a well organised Newcastle lacking pace and flair going forward.

The transfer of Miguel from Atlanta United was also a record sale from any club in the MLS. Almiron winning the MLS player of the season after guiding his side to the MLS Cup Championship, chipping in with 13 goals and 13 assists.

Miguel picked up the number 24 shirt on arriving on Tyneside