One year after calling time on his Newcastle United career, Allan Saint-Maximin is on the move again.
The Magpies sold Allan Saint-Maximin last summer, with Toon officials needing to cash in on a sealable asset to raise transfer funds.
The Frenchman’s move away from St James’ Park allowed Newcastle United to sign Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento. Saint-Maximin took his talents to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ahli paying £23million for the maverick winger.
It was a deal that came under scrutiny due to Newcastle United and Al-Ahli both being owned by PIF, while Eddie Howe has since admitted that he did not want to sell Saint-Maximin.
But Newcastle were forced to do business, as ASM headed to the Middle East.
Allan Saint-Maximin joins Fenerbahce on loan
Now the 27-year-old is on the move again, just 12 months after signing a three-year deal with Al-Ahli.
It was reported last week that Saint-Maximin had a agreed a deal to join Fenerbahce on loan, and that transfer is now official.
He has arrived in Istanbul and been presented as a Fenerbahce player, as Saint-Maximin prepares to play under Jose Mourinho, who was recently appointed manager.
And the ‘special one’ is a key reason why Saint-Maximin decided to swap Al-Ahli for Fenerbahce.
Saint-Maximin shares the reason he has joined Fenerbahce
Following confirmation of his move to Fenerbahce, Saint-Maximin took to X (formally known as Twitter) to explain his decision to join the Turkish giants.
He wrote: “Fenerbahce, every time I watched this club play, I turned up the volume of the TV to feel the amazing atmosphere created by the fans! Now, I will be able to experience it directly from the field. This incredible opportunity was made possible by the club’s amazing determination to bring me here and the inspiring words of the Special One, who convinced me that Fenerbahce is the right place for me. I’m ready to give my all to honor this trust! You can’t imagine how happy I am to be a Fenerbahce player and with what energy I am coming! I have a burning passion inside me. And I will give everything to make you proud! Yaşa Fenerbahçe!”
Former Newcastle hero ready for another incredible atmosphere
Saint-Maximin is looking forward to working with Jose Mourinho, who used his power of persuasion to bring him to Istanbul.
Maxi was also influenced by the power of the fans, as he prepares to experience an explosive atmosphere every time he plays for Fenerbahce.
He will certainly be a fan favourite with the way he plays – his skill and speed immediately won him the adulation of the Toon Army, who heralded him as a hero at a time when there was not much to celebrate.
It was sad to see him go 12 months ago, and it is a surprise to see him move again. Hopefully Saint-Maximin thrives in a Fenerbahce shirt, and it could potentially lead to a permanent move down the line.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
