ATLANTA, GA NOVEMBER 11: Atlanta's Leandro González Pirez (5) reacts after Miguel Almiron's goal during the MLS Eastern Conference semifinal match between Atlanta United and NYCFC on November 11th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated New York City FC by a score of 3 to 1 to advance in the playoffs. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Will Tottenham sign Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron in January?
Miguel Almiron’s agent insists his client is headed to the Premier League, but will Tottenham be the club to swoop for him in January?
Quite a few reports have popped up that claim Miguel Almiron will be headed to the Premier League sooner, rather than later. Tottenham are consistently mentioned as a potential transfer destination for the Paraguay star. The question remains as to whether or not acquiring him actually makes sense for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
On one hand, it’s clear that Almiron is too talented to remain in MLS. America’s top domestic league has made great strides in recent years, but it’s not the place for a 24-year-old attacker trying to establish himself as one of the better players in the world. To do that, Almiron will need to increase his level of regular competition.
Moving to the Premier League would certainly accomplish that for him. His numbers in MLS make it clear that it’s very possible he can enjoy a successful transition to English football. He’s scored 13 goals and tallied 11 assists in 34 league fixtures this season. No one should expect him to equal that level of production in his first season in England, but he should be a legitimate attacking threat for the club that signs him.
It’s unclear whether or not Spurs actually need to add another attacker in January. The emergence of both Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura into above average Premier League attackers this season has caused some positive selection headaches for Pochettino. When everyone’s fit, it’s difficult to select the proper attacking three to support Harry Kane. In addition to Lucas and Lamela, Pochettino also wants to give loads of playing time to Heung-Min Son, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli. It’s unlikely Almiron can unseat any of those players in the near future.
That’s why it seems pretty unlikely that Tottenham will be the club that splashes the cash to acquire him in January. He may be good enough to play for Spurs, but the club aren’t going to be in the market for another attacker unless they believe he can grow into a world-class star. With all due respect to Almiron, his ceiling looks to be an above average Premier League starter.
As such, it’s safe to assume the links to Tottenham are being leaked by his agent. It’s much more likely Almiron will move to a club like West Ham in January. He may thrive there, but a move to North London almost certainly isn’t in the cards for Almiron.
