Benitez Plays Down Almiron Expectations

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez insists he is not expecting Miguel Almiron to make an immediate impact following his January arrival.

Almiron joined the relegation-threatened club on deadline day from Atlanta United in a £21million club-record deal.

The Magpies also signed left-back Antonio Barreca from Monaco and he is set to make his debut against Tottenham on Saturday.

Almiron is expected to fill the No.10 void at St James’ Park although Benitez has urged the fans to be patient with him.

Related: Solskjaer Set For Transfer War Chest

He told the Shields Gazette: “We have signed two players without experience in the Premier League, so they will need some time.

“I remember signing a player at Liverpool that people thought he had to work from day one, but I said we had signed him for five years.

We need Almiron right now but we have not signed him just for this month. He has the desire, ambition and conditions to do well. He can play in different positions – as a No.10 or a winger.

“Almiron has pace and stamina and is a worker. We have different kinds of players that we didn’t have.”