Opinion: There is a zero percent chance this star will stay at Newcastle United

Newcastle United could very well find themselves in the bottom three by next month, especially with the way 18th-placed Fulham have been playing as of late.

Newcastle United have sufficient talent to fight for a place among the top ten, but the outdated, ultra-defensive tactics implemented by Steve Bruce have held this team back for too long.

Yes, the Magpies are playing better now as they place more emphasis on attack, but it might be too little too late. With Callum Wilson out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury, the front line lacks a lethal finisher when they need one the most.

Dynamic midfielders such as Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron are now expected to guide the team toward survival, but that is not what they signed up for. That is especially true for Saint-Maximin.

Saint-Maximin to stay beyond this summer? Forget about it.

It is still a mystery how Newcastle United convinced this top talent to bring his talent to Tyneside. At the time he was signed, the Magpies had no manager and he was sold a lie by Bruce after he was hired that European football is a key objective for the club.

Last season saw Newcastle United earn a 13th place finish in large part due to luck. That luck has clearly run out this term as the team is barely holding its head above water despite the teams currently in the bottom three being dreadful.

Some of you might argue that Newcastle United would be in a more comfortable position at the moment had Saint-Maximin not been affected by COVID-19 for two months, and that is true, but the overall situation will, in my opinion, lead to his transfer request this summer.

Saint-Maximin wants to be a key player who can influence the outcome in games, and he is already doing that, but he is also seeking a stronger supporting cast. He wants to play in a team composed of confident players who are trained to take the game to their opponents.

Bruce’s inconsistent formations and team selections place an extremely low ceiling on Saint-Maximin. The 23-year-old winger is entering his prime and he deserves a bigger stage to showcase his talent.

If Mike Ashley wakes up and finally decides to part ways with Steve Bruce then Saint-Maximin might be willing to give his future at St. James’ Park one more chance, but the odds of that happening are slim.

As a Newcastle United supporter, I would like to see the electric Frenchman to stay put, but realistically speaking the grass is much greener on the other side. No one can blame him if he decides to leave this summer.