After six unforgettable years at Newcastle United, Miguel Almirón bid an emotional farewell in January, returning to Atlanta United.

The Paraguayan midfielder left a lasting legacy, scoring 30 goals in 223 appearances, and playing a key role in Newcastle’s return to the Champions League after two decades.

His departure was bittersweet, with teary-eyed goodbyes at Newcastle’s training ground. Now, with Jacob Murphy left as the team’s primary right-wing option, Almirón’s absence is being felt.

However, before leaving, he helped Newcastle reach the Carabao Cup final, playing a crucial role in their semi-final victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.

Eddie Howe vs. Steve Bruce: A Game-Changing Approach

Almirón has credited Eddie Howe with transforming both his game and Newcastle’s fortunes.

Under previous manager Steve Bruce, Newcastle’s lackluster playing style meant Almirón struggled to make an impact.

Despite early promise under Rafa Benítez, who signed him for £21 million, Almirón found it difficult to shine under Bruce’s leadership.

That all changed when Howe arrived in 2021. The former Bournemouth boss didn’t just elevate Newcastle from a relegation battle he revamped the squad’s mentality and helped them surge up the Premier League table, securing a Champions League spot in his first full season.

Reflecting on his time under both managers, Almirón told The Athletic:

“My first year in England was tough. I think I only scored one goal. It changed me as a person it was really hard. But I kept working and improving. Football is about patience and hard work. It’s about moments.”

He went on to highlight Howe’s impact:

“When Eddie arrived, everything changed. He transformed our mentality. The club brought in top-quality players, which helped, but there was also more ambition. He worked with me individually, helped me improve my finishing, and pushed me to be better whether I was playing on the left, the right, or centrally.”

That shift in mentality led to his best season at Newcastle in 2022/23, where he scored 11 goals in the Premier League.

Under Howe’s guidance, he reached his peak, contributing to Newcastle’s return to European competition and their Carabao Cup final appearance against Manchester United.

Almirón’s New Chapter at Atlanta United

Since rejoining Atlanta United, Almirón has already made history. In his first game, he registered an assist in a 3-2 win over Montreal, making him one of only four players in club history with 50 goal involvements.

However, Atlanta struggled in their next two matches, suffering a 2-0 loss to Charlotte FC a club he nearly joined in January and drawing 0-0 with the New York Red Bulls.

Despite moving on, Almirón remains grateful for his time at Newcastle. Atlanta fans welcomed him back with black-and-white flags, honoring his achievements in England.

Reflecting on his Newcastle career, he singled out his goal in the 4-1 victory over PSG as his most cherished moment in a Magpies shirt.

Though he’s now back in the MLS, Almirón’s heart still holds a special place for Newcastle Unitedand for the genius of Eddie Howe, who helped him reach his full potential.

Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong appear to be moving closer to an agreement regarding his future at the club.

The Dutch midfielder has struggled with persistent injury problems over the last 18 months, impacting his ability to maintain top form.

With his current contract set to expire in 2026, Barcelona faces a crucial decision if he doesn’t sign an extension before the end of the season, he’ll enter the final year of his deal, raising speculation about his next move.

At the start of 2025, De Jong seemed destined for an exit, attracting strong interest from Saudi Arabian clubs as well as Premier League sides.

However, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, he has regained his place in the starting XI, forming a key midfield partnership with Pedri.

As a result, talks over an extension have reignited, and De Jong is now reportedly ready to commit to Flick’s long-term project.

Embracing the No.6 Role
De Jong has now become the anchor in Flick’s midfield, allowing Pedri more freedom to push forward and support the attack.

While some fans may expect him to contribute more in front of goal, the 27-year-old has emphasized that his primary role is defensive.

“I can score or assist goals, but I’m playing as a No.6 now. I move freely, but I’m the most defensive midfielder at Barcelona. You can’t expect me to score 10 goals in a season,” De Jong told Ziggo Sport Voetbal in a recent interview.

He also shared his thoughts on how modern football tends to focus too much on statistics, often failing to capture the full impact of a player’s performance.

“Football today is obsessed with numbers and stats, but they don’t always tell the whole story. A player can have a poor game but still score, or play brilliantly without getting on the scoresheet,” he explained.

Instead, De Jong evaluates his performance based on his ability to break lines, create space, play forward passes, win duels, and control the tempo all of which he considers vital contributions to the team.

With his role clearly defined and his importance to Flick’s system growing, Barcelona and De Jong now seem poised to extend their partnership for the foreseeable future.

Real Madrid are reportedly “preparing a summer move” for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, with the youngster’s future at Old Trafford surrounded by speculation.

The 19-year-old is said to be unhappy with the contract offer currently on the table and is considering a move abroad rather than committing to a new deal with the English club.

While Chelsea have been linked with Mainoo, a transfer to a Premier League rival seems highly unlikely, as United would prefer to sell him to a foreign club if a departure becomes inevitable.

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are “interested in a summer deal for Mainoo”, viewing him as an ideal addition to their midfield.

The Spanish giants will closely monitor his performances over the next few months, with the teenager expected to return from a muscular injury in early April.

Mainoo has already made 60 appearances for Manchester United, contributing six goals and two assists, but the 2024-25 season has been frustrating.

In 25 matches, he has only recorded one goal and one assist, and he has spent the past month sidelined due to injury.

Manchester United’s financial situation means that tough decisions will have to be made this summer. Given the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, selling Mainoo would count as pure profit, making his departure a realistic possibility.

While losing a talent of his caliber would be a tough pill to swallow for Red Devils fans, offloading him to Real Madrid rather than a domestic rival could soften the blow.

Would Mainoo Be a Good Signing for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid currently boast a well-stocked midfield, but Luka Modric is set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Additionally, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga face uncertain futures, with reports suggesting both could be sold if the right offers arrive.

With at least one new midfielder likely to join, Mainoo would be a valuable addition especially alongside fellow England international Jude Bellingham.

However, Manchester United are unlikely to accept offers below £60 million, making it a significant investment for Los Blancos, who are focused on “building a team for the future.”

While there is no doubt about Mainoo’s talent, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid would be willing to meet United’s financial demands during this summer’s transfer window.