Miguel Almiron signing will be huge boost for Newcastle United, says Matt Ritchie on talkSPORT
Magpies ace spoke to talkSPORT after he scored the winning goal in a stunning 2-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City
Newcastle United’s penalty hero Matt Ritchie has told talkSPORT the signing of Miguel Almiron represents a huge boost for the club.
The Magpies are set to break their 14-year-old transfer record by signing the Paraguay playmaker from MLS side Atlanta United.
Manager Rafa Benitez admitted following Tuesday’s stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City that he expects the deal to be wrapped up on Wednesday, with the 24-year-old on his way to Tyneside for his medical.
Big things are expected from Almiron, who scored 13 goals for MLS Cup winners Atlanta last season.
And Ritchie, scorer of Newcastle’s winning goal against City, says his arrival will lift the entire club.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “The fans want signings, so I’m sure they are pleased and it will be good for the group.
“When a new player comes in it not only boosts the fans, it boosts the players in the squad as well because everyone wants to impress in training.
“So hopefully this can make the levels go up a notch.”
Almiron is expected to cost Newcastle about £20m, breaking the club’s previous record of £16m they paid to sign Michael Owen from Real Madrid back in 2005.
Fans have been crying out for the club to spend big in recent seasons, while Benitez has also been desperate to boost the quality of his side with new signings.
And Ritchie is pleased the manager’s patience has finally paid off.
“I don’t think the transfer record is a big issue, it’s more about bringing bodies in to compete and make the squad stronger – that’s what the manager wants and hopefully he can do that.
“There’s a day or so left, so lets see what happens.
“But the main thing is the group stay focused on the job in hand and we’ve got 14 massive games left.”
FOOTBALL LATEST ON marvelbet369.com
Ritchie also hopes the win over Man City can be the springboard for a strong end to the season, as Newcastle look to guarantee their Premier League safety.
“It was a massive three points and obviously because it was against the champions it feels that much better, but it’s only three points and we need to build on it now," he said.
“We’ve got a tough run-in, but hopefully the result last night have give us hope and confidence.”
Listen back to Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast IN FULL above!