Midfielder Miguel Almirón rejoins Atlanta United soccer team
Atlanta United signs Miguel Almirón full press conference
Atlanta United announced Friday it has signed midfielder Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United of the English Premier League to a contract through the 2027 MLS season with an option for 2028. Almirón was previously with the team in 2017. He spoke with reporters from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
ATLANTA - Atlanta United has announced the signing of midfielder Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United of the English Premier League.
The Paraguayan international, who helped lead Atlanta to its first MLS Cup in 2018, has signed a contract through the 2027 season with an option for 2028.
Almirón will occupy a Designated Player and international roster spot, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa. The club acquired his Discovery Priority from Charlotte FC in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money.
What they're saying:
"We’re thrilled to welcome Miguel back to Atlanta United and know we’re getting a top player and someone with excellent character," Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. "He’s a dynamic attacking player with proven success in MLS and at the highest level in Europe."
During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Almirón told reporters it was good to be back in Atlanta.
"I think what I missed most was the affection from the fans, and I felt it last night at the airport. And it had been a long time since I have felt a feeling like that," he said speaking through an interpreter. "So, I think that's why I said it surprised me. It was a very warm welcome at the airport. So, that affection and respect from the fans."
The backstory:
Almirón, 30, previously played for Atlanta United during its first two MLS seasons in 2017 and 2018, earning back-to-back MLS Best XI selections, two All-Star appearances, and the 2017 MLS Newcomer of the Year award. He played a pivotal role in Atlanta’s 2018 MLS Cup title before transferring to Newcastle in January 2019 for a then-record fee.
Almirón excited to be among Atlanta United supporters
Miguel Almirón says the greatest part about returning to Atlanta United is all the supporters. He got a warm welcome at the airport on Thursday and spoke with reporters on Friday.
Success in England and International Experience
By the numbers:
During his time at Newcastle, Almirón made 223 appearances across all competitions, scoring 30 goals and adding 22 assists. He played a crucial role in Newcastle’s 2022-23 Premier League campaign, scoring 11 goals as the club finished fourth and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. That season, he was named Premier League Player of the Month in October 2022 after scoring six goals in six matches.
At the international level, Almirón has earned 64 caps for Paraguay, scoring eight goals. He has been a key player in Paraguay’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, helping the team secure sixth place in the current CONMEBOL standings.
Miguel Almirón of Newcastle United FC (24) arrives for the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at St James' Park on January 15, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United
Almirón’s Impact in Atlanta
Local perspective:
In his first stint with Atlanta United, Almirón made 70 appearances across all competitions, recording 22 goals and 30 assists. He was one of only two players to be selected to the MLS Best XI in both 2017 and 2018 and the only player in the league to be a finalist for the MVP award in both seasons.