Newcastle United have signed midfielder Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United in a club-record deal, the Premier League side have confirmed.
The Paraguay international has joined the Magpies after they had an offer worth roughly £20.6million ($27million) accepted by the MLS outfit.
Almiron was instrumental for his side as they won the MLS Cup last season, scoring 13 goals and assisting a further 11 as his side were crowned champions of the United States’ top league.
The fee for Almiron, 24, has surpassed the £16million Newcastle paid for Michael Owen in 2005 to make him the most expensive player in the club’s history.
Benitez added: “We were following Miguel Almirón for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists.
“We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League but he has the potential to do what we are expecting, and what we need.
“From talking to the lad, you can tell that he is really focussed and wants to do well. He wants to be successful and he wants to help the team, to score goals and give assists if it is possible.
“His impact in MLS has been really good – he’s been one of the best players this year – and hopefully he can give us more competition and more quality in the final third.
“I am pleased that the hard work behind the scenes has ended positively and I thank everyone for their efforts.”
On Wednesday the player said his goodbyes at Atlanta United on a social media post.
He posted a selection of images from his time with the MLS side on his Instagram page before travelling to the UK, with the caption: “Thanks Atlanta for all the love. I love you so much.”
Newcastle’s newest recruit could make his debut on Saturday afternoon as the Magpies face Tottenham in the Premier League.
He was the second new arrival at St James’ Park on deadline day, with Newcastle also doing a deal for Antonio Barreca.
The 23-year-old defender has joined the Magpies on loan for the rest of the season, with the Premier League club having an option to complete a permanent deal in the summer.