Allan Saint-Maximin potentially on the move to Saudi Arabia
By Cade Cracas
After weeks of being involved in potential incoming transfers, the Premier League side, Newcastle United, is looking to make moves and produce outgoing transfers to increase club funds.
However, issues have arisen that Newcastle is negotiating with the wrong transfer partners after it was confirmed the team was speaking with Saudia Arabian club, Al Ahli. The rumored transaction between the two sides would give the Magpies £30 million for the struggling winger.
The controversy of this transaction begins when the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) comes into play. That is because both Newcastle and Al Ahli are owned by the PIF, and other Premier League sides are concerned that the transfer fee for Saint-Maximin is being inflated.
He struggled in the 2022-2023 campaign after coming off the bench for the majority of the season while scoring just one goal. He was often times criticized on social media due to his play, which included a multitude of mistimed passes and sloppy dribbling.
His play ultimately hindered the ability for Newcastle to perform well in the attacking position and led to plenty of turnovers.
So, that £30 million price point seems lofty for those who saw Saint-Maximin’s play on the pitch.
The rumors between him and Al Ahli began this past Tuesday after he was held out of the Magpies’ friendly contest against Rangers F.C.
After the contest came to a close, Howe talked with the media before confirming the rumors that Saint-Maximin was on the way out.
“Allan is in discussions regarding a move to another club,” Howe said. “Nothing is confirmed, nothing is done. But that’s why he wasn’t here today.”
Howe also said that the team has to accept that these things tend to happen from time to time and that they would love to have him on the squad if things were to be mended.
However, with such a huge purse to cash in on in the Saudia Arabian league, it seems unlikely that he will pass up on the opportunity if it presented itself.
This offseason has already seen the likes of Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and countless others.
It is likely that Saint-Maximin ends up elsewhere in the coming weeks after not traveling to the United States with the team, but his move will definitely create everlasting effects in reference to financial rules.
If a move to the Saudi Arabia league were to happen, expect the Magpies to make some headlines, and they may all not be positive for the front office.
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