The Newcastlefigure has played a pivotal role in the national team since he got first called up in 2015 and the current Copa America was no exception. The No. 10 scored one goal and provided another assist infour group phase matches.

A Premier League player, Almiron became the face of Paraguay, pulling the strings of the team, and being capable of carrying it on his own when needed. Therefore, his absence mayhit La Albirroja’s continental aspirations.

Why is Miguel Almirón missing the next Copa America 2021 match with Paraguay?

The 27-year-oldwas forced off the clash with Uruguay on Matchday 5of Group A, and he has not recovered in time for the quarterfinal-tie. Miguel Almirón will miss Paraguay’s game with Peru due to a muscle injury in his left thigh.

Only 31minutes into the game, Almirón had to leave the pitch in La Albirroja’s defeat at the hands of La Celeste. He headed into the bench crying and clearly in pain. Shortly after that,Paraguay confirmed thatmuscle edema was observed in the posterior aspect of his left thigh.

When will Miguel Almirón recover from his injury?

The Paraguayan national team’s medical staff couldn’t confirm how long Miguel Almirón will be off the field yetas the official statement read that hewillcontinue to be monitored andundergo furthertests.

With himruled out for the upcoming match,Oscar Romero could take Almirón’s place as he is the other playmaker Paraguay can rely on. He also performs as a No. 10 and makes a great partnership with his twin Angel, who frequently makes it into the starting eleven.

Brazil enters the competition as the clear favorite, the Brazilians have been coasting through World Cup Qualifying and look extremely organized under Tite. Argentina will be looking to end their over 20-year drought without a cup, in what will most likely be Lionel Messi’s final Copa America. Paraguay could be a dark horse in the competition as they have a very talented side, and Uruguay, while being up and down in qualifying, has an extremely talented side to keep an eye on.

One thing is for sure, there will be talents on display on each of the ten national teams, here is a list of 5 players that if selected could have a breakout Copa Americain Brazil.

Facundo Torres

Talented 21-year-old Facundo Torres has recently broken into the Uruguayan national team, but he has been in the youth system since the U-15’s. It has been quite a year for Torres, splashing onto the scene at Peñarol in 2020 he is the Uruguayan league’s top player. Peñarol have valued the skillful forward at $20 million.

Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius Júnior is only 20 and he has already played 80 games at Real Madrid, having gone pro in 2018. The winger is extremely talented, hard worker, and tricky when taking on defenders. With only 1 cap for Brazil, Vinícius Júnior could be key in helping Brazil repeat as champions.

Emiliano Martínez

Argentina has been looking for a solid goalkeeper for what seems to be decades now, but the emergence of Emiliano Martínez at Aston Villa could be the answer to Argentina’s prayers. Martinez is very confident in goal and was Villa’s player of the season. This could be a perfect tournament to solidify his place as Argentina’s number one.

Miguel Almirón

Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón has a lot of talent, quick to take on defenders, a powerful outside shot, and great dribbling skills. MLS fans know what Miggy can do, in England he has more than held his own at Newcastle. Miguel Almirón is 27 years old, 2 goals in 30 caps is not what you want from arguably the national team’s most talented player. Miguel Almirón needs a big tournament to finally become a leader on the Paraguayan national team.

Gonzalo Plata

Ecuadorian midfielder Gonzalo Plata is a 20-year-old winger on Portuguese champions Sporting CP, he has 4 goals in 10 caps for Ecuador. Quick and talented Plata could be the next big thing for Ecuador and this Copa America could be his coming out party.

It’s no secret that many of the world’s most promising talentsoften emerge from this region, which is why every competition that takes place there always hogs the spotlight in the soccer community. Moreover, the oldest national team tournament is always an eagerly expected eventon the calendar.

With the upcoming edition ofCopa America, here we will bring you an insight on the most expensive players from each national teamaccording to their market value. The figures were provided by TransferMarkt, and this is how the ranking stands.

10. ErwinSaavedra(Bolivia)

Market value: $1.21 million

Bolivar‘s right midfield has the highest market value in the Bolivian national team, and it is no surprise. The 25-year-oldhas alreadyamassed 14 goals and 11 assists in 72 appearances with thelocal giants, and has also earned 18 caps with the national team. However, he was unable to score with La Verde yet. Will he achieve it in this tournament?

9. GuillermoMaripan(Chile)

Market value: $13.20 million

La Roja‘s center-back has had an amazing growth over the last years and quickly settled himself in AS Monaco‘sdefense. After jumping to European soccer from Universidad Católica, it didn’t take long for him toimpressin Deportivo Alavés. Once in the Ligue One, Guillermo Maripánrestored theMonegasques’ confidencewith brilliant performances. Asides from being solid at the back, he has alsobeen on targetseveral times.

8. PervisEstupiñan(Ecuador)

Market value: $13.20 million

Ecuador‘s excitingleft-backhas fought hardto earn a place in one of Europe’s top five leagues after several loan moves from Watford. His spell in Osasunacalled Villarreal‘sattention, as theypaid around $18 million for him ahead of the 2020/21 season. Estupiñáncouldn’t strengthen himself in the starting lineup, though, but he still has 23 years of ageand a bright future ahead of him, which explains his high market value.

7. JosefMartínez (Venezuela)

Market value: $15.40 million

La Vinotinto’s prolific striker became one of the faces of the MLS due to his impressive goalscoring record with Atlanta United. Martínez, 28, was one of the main reasons for The Five Stripes’ supremacyover the past few seasons. He fired them to the MLS Cup title in 2018 after recording 31 goals, earning that year’s MVP award. He already has 12 goals in 54 appearances with Venezuela‘s senior teamand he headlines its squad for the upcoming Copa America.

6 . MiguelAlmirón (Paraguay)

Market value: $17.60 million

Ever since he dazzled in his first appearances with Lanús in Argentine soccer, he was set to jump to the top level. MLS saw him grow and earn experience before making the big step to the Premier League, where he established himself in Newcastle. Despite he needed some adaptation time, Almirón lived up to the expectations and became Paraguay‘s main superstar. He already has 26 caps and two goals with La Albirroja.

5. RenatoTapia (Peru)

Market value: $22 million

Tapia, 25, who has built almost his entire professional career in Europe, quicklyturned into a key piece at the Peruvian national team’s defense. Even though he isn’t a veteran, his appearances would indicate otherwise. He already has played 53 games with Peru, mainly due to his proven experience in the Eredivisie. Celta de Vigo seized the opportunity of landing him for free and he has responded wellmost of the time.

4. DuvánZapata (Colombia)

Market value: $41.80 million

The 30-year-old has established himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Italian top flightand has endured seven years in that league so far. Duván Zapata earned a place in a great Atalanta lineup that played Champions League soccer and did well in the Serie A. It’s no surprise to see such a market value for him, as he netted 15 goalsin 37 league appearances last season.

3. Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

Market value: $77 million

The Uruguayan sensation quickly made himself a name in an enormous club like it is Real Madrid. Things are just getting started, though, for the 22-year-old, who asides from becoming a useful asset in Los Blancos has turned into a crucial name for Oscar Washington Tabarez in La Celeste. He is definitely one of thetalents to watch, even though he is already well-known in the soccer world.

2. LionelMessi(Argentina)

Market value: $88 million

If it wasn’t because of his 33 years of age (that will become 34 on June 24th), he wouldbe probably leading the list. However, Lionel Messi is without a doubt the greatest player Argentina have despite theydo not lack in big names at all. When players reach his age, their performances often get worse and start heading into retirement. But in his case, it seems unpredictable when that will happen, as he keeps on breaking records and shining at the top level regardless of time. The upcoming Copa America will have once again one of the greatestof all time, and soccer fans are eager to watch himin actiononce again.

1. Neymar(Brazil)

Market value: $121 million

Needless to say, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar has been one of the world’s most fascinating players ever since he rose to stardom with Barcelona in 2014 afterbecoming a promising youth talent in Santos. Themost expensive player in history – PSG paid over $270 million to Barca in 2017 – Neymar has given multiple reasons to hold the highest market valuein the continent, and he is Brazil’s main weapon to chase a back-to-back Copa America title.

In the last four seasonsthe league has sold some of the most prominent homegrown talents for high value, $41 million in total if you combine the transfers of Mark McKenzie, Bryan Reynolds, Brenden Aaronson, and Ricardo Pepi. There have also been high profile sales such as Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez to Al- Nassr of the Saudi Professional League for $18 million.

As the league continues to buy young up and coming South Americans and the youth academies continue to produce American prospects, one thing is for certain, MLS will continue to sell talent at a high value, the highest in their history.Who are the biggest transfers in MLS history? Take a look!

Jack Harrison – Manchester City – $4.4 Million

Jack Harrison was a standout player at NYCFC playing 55 games and scoring 14 goals. He would move to mother club Manchester City for a $4.4 million transfer fee, only to be loaned and bought by Leeds United.

Héctor Villalba – Libertad – $4.4 Million

Atlanta United’s first DP played 3 seasons for the club with 21 goals in 82 games. Villalba would move to Paraguay for a $4.4 million fee, the move was more of a cap space move than a desired transfer fee.

Carlos Gruezo to FC Augsburg – $4.6 Million

Ecuadorian defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo played in FC Dallas from 2016-2019, when FC Augsburg of Germany came with a $4.6 million offer the club did not think twice and got some good cash for the solid midfielder.

Matt Miazga to Chelsea – $5 Million

Matt Miazga was sold from the New York Red Bulls to Chelsea in 2016 for a $5 million transfer, the defender only made 2 appearances for Chelsea and was loaned out almost every year since then. Miazga has played in Holland, France, the Championship in England, Anderlecht, and lastseason withDeportivo Alavés of Spain before returning to MLS in 2022.

Chris Richards – Bayern Munich – $5.3 Million

USMNT defender Chris Richards moved to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich never playing a match in MLS. Richards was highly praised but could not crack the Bayern lineup due to more experienced players and is now in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

Cristian Arango – Pachuca – $5.8 Million

The former LAFC striker always seemed to be a filler player for a big name pending star. Despite scoring 30 goals in 51 games the club felt it could do better and wisely sold the Colombian to Liga MX for $5.8 million.

Mark McKenzie to Genk – $6 Million

Mark McKenzie was sold to Belgium club Genk for a club record $6 Million transfer fee after playing 48 games and scoring 2 goals for the Union. McKenzie is a future USMNT prospect and at 23made the move across the pond at the right time. He has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with Genk.

Matt Turner to Arsenal – $6 Million

In a shock move the USMNT netminderand one of MLS best keepers was sold to Arsenal of the Premier League for $6 million which could eventually end up being $10 million.

Djordje Mihailovic – AZ – $6 Million

One of the more creative American players in MLS, Djordje Mihailovic was sold in 2022 for a club record $6 million to Netherlands side AZ.

Brenden Aaronson toRed Bull Salzburg- $6.5 Million

Brenden Aaronson moved to Red Bull Salzburg from the Philadelphia Union at a $6.5 million transfer fee, Aaronson is a highly regarded USMNT prospect, the attacking midfielder has shown what he can do with 7 goals in 51games for the Union. He already has 6goals in 28caps for the USMNT and is now at Leeds United.

Gianluca Busio – $6.5 Million

Gianluca Busio’s stock rose tremendously during the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2021 and this led to a big transfer to Italian Serie A side Venezia FC for $6.5 million in direct transfer plus another $4 million in bonuses, plus Sporting get a 20% sell-on clause. Not bad!

Brian Rodríguez – Club America – $6.6 Million

Uruguayan winger Brian Rodríguez was a headache during his time in LAFC. On a record transfer fee of $8 million from Peñarol to LAFC. Rodríguez showed flashes of brilliance but never took the league by storm, scoring only 8 goals in 55 games. Rodríguez’s desire to move to Europe forced a loan to Almería, when he returned to MLS after a rough spell in Spain the midfielder came back with a better head on his shoulders but again pushed for a move to LigaMX side Club America only four months later.

Zack Steffen to Manchester City – $7 Million

The U.S.A.’s former number one goalkeeper was sold to City in the summer of 2019 for $7 million. Manchester City immediately loaned Steffen to Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany to get him playing time in hopes to have him return to the club ready for Premier League action. Since thenSteffen has been loaned toMiddlesbrough.

Tajon Buchanan to Club Brugge – $7 Million

Tajon Buchanan was sold to Club Brugge of Belgium for $7 million plus a 10% sell-on clause on August 24th 2021. The New England Revolution winger played in 61MLS games and scored 11goals before his move to Europe.

Kevin Paredes to VfL Wolfsburg – $7,350,000

19-year-old Kevin Paredes was sold to the Bundesliga side in January 2022 after only playing 41 games and scoring 3 goals with DC United. A landmark deal for a youngAmerican player.

Ismaël Koné – Watford – $8.4 Million

Ismaël Koné is a talented midfielder who played for CF Montreal for two seasons making 26 appearances and scoring 2 goals. His grace and vision of the ball were spotted by Watford who did not hesitate to buy his contract, since then Ismaël Koné has hit the ground running at his new club.

Bryan Reynolds to AS Roma – $8.5 million

FC Dallas broke the 2021 transfer market when they sold 21-year-oldhomegrown right back Bryan Reynolds to AS Roma for a club-record fee $8.5 million according to some sources. Reynolds has been with F.C. Dallas since 2017 and played a total of 27 games for the club before making his big move to Serie A and is now on loan to K. V. C. Westerlo.

Daryl Dike to West Bromwich Albion – $9.5 Million

Not quite what MLS and Orlando City may have wanted for the big target man, but with very little true interest Daryl Dike was sold for $9.5 million to West Bromwich Albion. Dike signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the club. In MLS, Dike scored 18 goals in only 35 games.

Jozy Altidore to Villarreal – $10 Million

Jozy Altidore’s transfer to Villarreal was executed in 2008 and for a league-high $10 million at the time. Altidore’s time in Spain was largely insignificant as he bounced around on loan for three years. Altidore did have a resurgence in the Netherlands, wherehe played for AZ for two seasons, scoring39 goals in 67 appearances before a move to the EPL where he scored only 1 goal in 42 outings for Sunderland.

Diego Rossi toFenerbahce- $10 Million

Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi finally moved to Fenerbahce in Turkey for a reported $10 million in April of 2022. The deal took a long time to materialize due it being an initial six-month loan. Rossi was a highlight forward in MLS and LAFC scoring 48 goals in 104games and winning the Golden Boot in 2020.

Adam Buksa to RC Lens – $10Million

The Polish striker played two and a half seasons with the New England Revolution and left in June of 2022. Buksa played 64 games and netted 29 goals for the club helping the Revs capture the 2021 Supporters Shield.

Gabriel Slonina – Chelsea – $10 Million

Considered to be one of the best goalkeeping prospects in the world, Gabriel Slonina was sold to Chelsea for $10 million in the summer of 2022, he stayed for the poor Chicago Fire until January 2023. Slonina is slated to be loan for the 23/24 season.

Alphonso Davies to Bayern Munich – $13.5 Million

Alphonso Davies is becoming MLS’s best export, at 18 he had already played 65 games for the Vancouver Whitecaps and was an MLS All-Star. Bayern Munich had been observing him heavily and pulled the trigger in July 2018 and purchased the Canadianinternational for $13.5 million. The deal could end up being $22 million if Davies hits certain objectives. Davies has won 12titles since his move to Germany and is the starting left back at Bayern Munich.

Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martínez toAl- Nassr- $18 million

The Argentine attacker came to MLS as the 2018 South American Footballer of the year and was brought in at a $13 million transfer from River Plate of Argentina. Pity Martinez’s time in MLS can largely be summed up as disappointing, Atlanta United had high hopes for him, especially after River Plate’s run in the 2018 Copa Libertadores. Martínez never fully became adjusted to the league and often was played out of position under Frank de Boer.

In total Martinez played 39 games for Atlanta United and scored 7 goals and provided 11 assists, his play was largely inconsistent and he never really became the dominant player the team had intended.

Jhon Duran – Aston Villa – $18 Million

The Colombian prospect joined the Chicago Fire for only one season scoring 8 goals in 27 games. The speed, power, and finishing of Jhon Duran were evident as he was a standout player on a bad team. Now in England, Jhon Duran will look to continue to skyrocket in the best league in the world.

Ricardo Pepi to FC Augsburg – $20 Million

In an unexpected transfer to FC Augsburg, USMNT sensation Ricardo Pepi made a huge $20 million transfer to the Bundesliga side. Pepi had a meteoric rise in 2021 and it was capped off with a huge transfer to FC Augsburg. Pepi was the subject of moves to Ajax, Wolfsburg, who came the closest to signing him, Liverpool, Manchester United among others. In MLS, Pepi scored 15 goals in 55 games.

Miguel Almirón to Newcastle United – $27 million

Miguel Almirón is the largest outgoing transfer to date in MLS. The Paraguayan midfielder was explosive with highlight-reel goals and speed that left the best defenders in MLS eating his dust.Almirón played two seasons at Atlanta United winning MLS cup in 2018, he scored 21 goals in 62 appearances.

There have beenmany international stars that have played in MLS, such as David Beckham,Zlatan Ibrahimovic,Thierry Henry,and Andrea Pirlo. However, they were all free transfers andit was not untilrecentlythatMLS clubsbegan to make big money transfers.

Since 2014, many teams have opened their checkbooks to bringin valuable playersthat would improve the league instead of signingfree agentsuperstarswho may not be fully invested in MLS. Here we list the 10 most expensive signings in MLS history to date.

10. Jermain Defoe

Price: $10 million

When Toronto FC bagged $10 million for Jermain Defoe, the expectations were sky-high. However, it didn’t go to plan. Even though he was prolific, the Premier League journeyman spent only one season in Canada before going back to England.

9. Cucho Hernandez

Price: $10.5 million

In his twenties, Cucho Hernandez already boasts an interesting resume, with stints in different European teams. The Colombia international joined Columbus Crew for $10.5 million from Watford in 2022.

8. Alejandro Pozuelo

Price: $11 million

A productof the Real Betis youth system, the Sevilla born midfielder was a journeyman as he played for several club across Europe. After playing four seasons in Belgium forGenk, Toronto FC signed himfor $11 millionin March 2019. He immediately settled in, winning MVP in 2020 while being named to the All Star game, also making the MLS Best Eleven twice. Now he’s at Inter Miami.

7. Brian Rodríguez

Price: $11.5 million

The Uruguayanwinger made his debut forPeñarol in March2018 and eventuallybecame a regular in the starting11. His talentquickly stood outand it did not takelong for MLS teamsto be interested.Los Angeles FC was the most interestedand eventually landed himin August 2019 for a fee of$11.5 million. Now he’s at Club America.

6. Talles Magno

Price: $12 million

New York City FC set their sights on Brazilian soccer to try and land agenerational talent. Talles Magno caught their eye, and it’s no surprise. The Vasco da Gama product was acquired for $12 million in 2021 after making more than 50 senior appearances as well as playing for Brazil’s youth teams.

5.Rodolfo Pizarro

Price: $12 million

Just like Inter Miami‘s inaugural MLS season, Rodolfo Pizarro‘s signing left a lot to be desired. David Beckham’s forked out $12 million for the Monterrey star, but the Mexican was a shell of himself in his first year in South Beach. He was sent on loan to Rayados, but now he’s back in Miami trying to prove his worth.

4.Brenner

Price: $13 million

Cincinnati FCwent all in forBrennerin 2021, spending $13 million to get the promising striker from Sao Paulo. This is one of the moves that reflect the MLS is not a retirement league, but one that recruits and develops young talent.

3.Ezequiel Barco

Price: $15 million

Oneof Argentina’s most promising talents in recent years, Ezequiel Barco caughtAtlatna United’seye as a teenagerand joined the club for $15 million in 2018. However, he couldn’t fully live up to the expectations as fans only saw glimpses of his talent. In fact, he was sent on loan to River Plate.

2.Gonzalo Martínez

Price: $15.5 million

The man nicknamed “El Pity” was one of River Plate’s best players as they won the Copa Libertadores title in 2018. In fact, he scoredthe third goal to sealthe victory in the final against arch rivals Boca Juniors atthe Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

His performances attracted interested from several teams, but it was Atlanta United thatbeat everyone to the punch. In January 2019, the club announcedthe signing of the Argentine playmaker for $15.5 million, which set a record by then. Martinez is currently playing next to Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

1. Thiago Almada

Price: $16 million

Unsurprisingly, Atlanta United broke their own record by makingThiago Almadathe most expensive incoming transfer in MLS history. The Five Stripes reached an agreement with Velez to get their jewel for $16 million, completing the transfer in 2022. Almada is proving Atlanta right, as he became the first active MLS player in history to win the World Cup, being part of Argentina’s roster at Qatar 2022.