Newcastle fan favorite needs to score more or he could be sold

Newcastle United might consider parting ways with a fan favorite if he does not add more goals to his game.

Newcastle United have struggled to score goals since earning promotion to the Premier League in the summer of 2017, but that narrative might change this season. The arrival of Callum Wilson from Bournemouth is proving to be stellar business for the Magpies as the England international already has six goals to his name.

Jonjo Shelvey was the club’s top scorer with six goals last season, and Wilson is on track to break that record by a large margin with 31 games still to be played. In total, Newcastle United have found the back of the net ten times in seven games. To put things into a different light, the Toon have already scored 26% of the total goals they scored all of last season – 38.

In addition to Callum Wilson, the following players have added their names to the scoresheet this season: Jeff Hendrick, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Jacob Murphy. One player fans and the front office want to see join that list is Miguel Almiron, but the expectation is for him to be among the top scorers.

Almiron has impressed fans with his work rate since day one, and Bruce continues to refer to the Paraguayan as “a manager’s delight”, but he needs to show that he can perform the way he did for Atlanta United. Bruce will obviously play a major role in that as he needs to give Almiron game time as a regular starter in order for that to happen, but it looks like Almiron has taken his place back in the lineup for now.

Almiron scored eight goals across all competitions last season, with four of those goals coming in  Premier League action, but he needs to try and double his top flight tally this term. With the firepower Newcastle United have in the final third this season, that objective is realistic for Almiron.

Some of you might think I am crazy for even suggesting the possibility of Almiron’s departure in the summer, but he would not have trouble finding a new club in Europe, especially in La Liga, if he was transfer listed.

Overall, Newcastle United need an attacking midfielder who has an eye for goal, and is confident in the penalty area. Almiron is an exciting, dynamic player, but in order for the Toon to elevate their status in the Premier League they need a number ten who can score goals every few games. My hope is that Almiron becomes that player, but an alternative needs to be considered if he falls short.

Who knows, maybe this is the reason why Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Celtic star Ryan Christie, who is reportedly available for a fee of £10m.