The Newcastle United squad are back in training, and that includes Allan Saint-Maximin.
Eddie Howe had his players report for pre-season on Sunday, less than one week before Newcastle play Gateshead in their first friendly of the summer.
The likes of Nick Pope and Emil Krafth were back at the training ground after injury, as were Paul Dummett and Loris Karius, who have now extended their stays at St James’ Park.
But while they are staying, it is unclear if Saint-Maximin will be.
Saint-Maximin’s Newcastle future in doubt
Rumours about the Frenchman leaving this summer continue to do the rounds, and have intensified amid talk that Harvey Barnes is going to arrive from Leicester City.
It has been claimed that Maxi has interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and that Newcastle could decide to cash in on the 26-year-old.
The potential arrival of Barnes complicates matters for Maxi. It means he will have more competition on the left wing, making him less likely to be a regular starter.
And considering he is arguably Newcastle’s most saleable asset, it could lead to the Toon owners deciding that now is the time to part ways with the man signed by Steve Bruce back in 2019.
However, a lot of fans would like him to continue donning the famous black and white, and you have to imagine that Maxi would want to stay and play for the club in the Champions League.
ASM’s Instagram message as pre-season begins
While speculation over his future continues, Saint-Maximin has delivered a message to fans on social media following the first day of pre-season training.
Alongside a picture of him arriving at the training ground, he wrote: “Only those who are willing to risk a terrible defeat will encounter a tremendous victory. So happy to be back @nufc.”
It is the final sentence that will mean the most to Toon fans, who want him to remain on Tyneside.
It is a very important pre-season for Saint-Maximin, who needs to be fit and firing for the new campaign after struggling to stay injury-free during the 2022/23 season.
With so many games to play, Howe needs a squad. And a player like ASM is incredibly valuable. The potential arrival of Barnes should not push him out the door – if anything it should encourage him to play at a higher level.
However, it might all come down to what the club want. But for now, Saint-Maximin is happy to be back.
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