Sometimes, we get drawn to stories that seem too unbelievable to be true, yet every so often, they manage to stun the world. Miguel Almirón, the Paraguayan star who once defined Atlanta United and now dazzles in the Premier League with Newcastle United, might be making an unexpected move back to the U.S. Why? Because Charlotte FC is making bold efforts to bring the playmaker back.
It sounds unbelievable, right? But negotiations are already underway, and with a rumored price tag of $10 million, it’s clear Charlotte isn’t backing down. But can a club still finding its feet like Charlotte really persuade a top-tier player like Almirón to take such a surprising step?
Almirón is a huge figure in Major League Soccer. His time with Atlanta United, where he won multiple trophies and captivated fans, is still remembered fondly. When he made his move to Newcastle in 2019, it wasn’t just a record-setting transfer for MLS—it marked the league as a credible springboard for international talent.
Now, there’s talk of a return, but for a fraction of what Newcastle paid back then. While $10 million is a considerable sum in MLS, for a player of Almirón’s caliber, it seems like a bargain.
Here’s the catch, though: Almirón is in great form in England. After some ups and downs, he has firmly established himself as a crucial player for Newcastle, helping the club remain competitive in the upper ranks of the Premier League. Walking away from that to return to MLS would be a significant surprise.
And let’s be honest—Charlotte FC isn’t a powerhouse in MLS. As a newer team still figuring out its identity, Charlotte is still building a competitive squad. Yes, signing someone like Almirón could dramatically change their fortunes and elevate their status within the league.
But to make this happen, Charlotte has to convince Almirón that the project is worth his time. He’s playing some of his best football in one of the world’s top leagues—why would he leave all that for a club still establishing itself?
This move isn’t just about adding talent; it’s about making a statement. MLS teams like Inter Miami, LAFC, and Atlanta United have shown that high-profile signings can transform a team’s identity. Charlotte, on the other hand, is still looking for its first major star.
That $10 million offer is certainly ambitious, but it might also come across as desperate. Does Charlotte even have the infrastructure and supporting cast to help Almirón thrive? Bringing in a star only to surround him with a subpar team could backfire—MLS has seen that happen before.
Then there’s Newcastle’s position. Since their Saudi-led takeover, the club has been investing heavily, and Almirón has been an important part of their rebuild. Ultimately, it comes down to money. Ten million dollars may not be enough to entice Newcastle, especially given Almirón’s importance and understanding of their system. If Charlotte is serious about landing him, they might need to offer more.
On one hand, bringing a player like Almirón back to MLS would be a major win for the league, showing it’s becoming a genuine destination for international talent. On the other hand, Charlotte FC risks looking like a team trying to punch above its weight before fully establishing itself.
