Newcastle United have the chance to replace Miguel Almiron this month.
The 30-year-old looks set to leave St James’ Park during the January transfer window, with Atlanta United on track to re-sign Miguel Almiron.
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It will be sad to see Miggy go, but it is the correct decision to sell him. Newcastle United need the PSR boost, while the Paraguayan is no longer a key player on Tyneside.
But there are fears that Newcastle United will not replace Almiron this month. That is a risk, with Harvey Barnes currently out injured. The Magpies are not blessed with attacking options, while they are in an excellent position to enjoy a very strong second half of the season.
Newcastle United offered Takefusa Kubo transfer
Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad looks on during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano at Reale Arena on Januar…
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Some will argue that Newcastle United should strengthen now. With the position they are in, they could achieve something very special. A new signing could help the club do just that, as they go in search of silverware and Champions League football.
All the while, the Magpies have been offered the type of right winger that they crave.
It has been claimed that Takefusa Kubo has been offered to Newcastle United, with the Real Sociedad attacker having a £50million release clause.
That would make him one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever, but he is a talent worth investing in.
However, Newcastle have turned down the opportunity, with the club unable, or unwilling, to spend that much money in January.
Newcastle not signing Kubo feels like a missed opportunity
It feels like Newcastle United are passing up a golden opportunity.
While the finances need to be right to avoid another PSR scramble in June, this feels like the type of deal that the club must try to make work.
Ever since the change of ownership, the Magpies have neglected the right wing position. It is the only position that has not been strengthened.
That must change in 2025, and Kubo looks like the ideal candidate. The 23-year-old has five goals and three assists this season, while he is left-footed which means he can come inside off the right flank.
He is clearly a player with a lot of potential. The Japan international has been tipped to become a superstar, and that could certainly happen in the black and white of Newcastle United. Eddie Howe is the master at making players better, and Kubo could be the perfect player to join Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in attack.
There would also be commercial benefits to signing Kubo. It would boost Newcastle’s profile in Japan, which is a market that the club want to tap into. They tried in the summer, as they visited Tokyo in pre-season.
That would help the club financially and put more eyes on the club, but the biggest selling point with Kubo is his ability. Kubo is a player who Newcastle like, but seemingly not enough to spend £50million on him.
That either says they are not fully convinced by him, or that their PSR position is still so delicate that even selling Almiron will not facilitate a major arrival.
While the latter is more likely to be correct, it is a real shame and feels like a missed opportunity. Hopefully Newcastle United do not live to regret passing on Takefusa Kubo this month
