Reported Newcastle return for Joe Willock will please Allan Saint-Maximin – opinion

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Allan Saint-Maximin and Joe Willock clearly built up a good relationship at Newcastle last season.

It didn’t take long for the pair to combine, with the Frenchman providing an assist for Willock on his Magpies debut.

After the game, the on-loan midfielder spoke about linking up with Saint-Maximin, as their masterplan became a reality.

“I told Maxi when he gets past the full-back to cut it back to the edge of the box and I’ll be there,” he told BT Sport.

“That’s exactly what he did and I was there to finish it. I’m delighted and I can’t wait to get more.”

By the end of the season, Willock had scored another seven goals, making him the Magpies’ second top scorer behind Callum Wilson.

It was clear that Newcastle needed to bring the 21-year-old back to St James’ Park.

Steve Bruce has made it clear he wants him, while fans are also desperate for his return.

And Saint-Maximin is another figure who made his thoughts on Willock public.

It looks like everyone will get their wish, with Newcastle reportedly agreeing a fee in excess of £20million for the Arsenal man.

Saint-Maximin told Newcastle to get more players like Willock

“We have to buy more players like Joe Willock, he can be really great for the team and for myself,” Saint-Maximin told Sky Sports in May.

“I am 24 years old, and have to think about the national team, about winning trophies, and hope the club can give me that.

“My relationship is really good with Joe inside and outside the pitch, and you can see how that helps a team when you have players like that – like Harry Kane and Heung-min Son at Tottenham.”

They certainly do have a great relationship off the pitch as well as on. The pair met up during pre-season, as they prepared for the new Premier League campaign.

With no new signings, fans have been worried about the future of Saint-Maximin. He’s immensely talented, and shouldn’t be battling relegation.

And with a lack of ambition from the owner, why would Saint-Maximin want to stay? As he said back in May, he wants to be challenging for trophies.

So now that Willock is reportedly on his way back, perhaps Saint-Maximin will be a lot more comfortable with life at St James’ Park.

Obviously, we still need more reinforcements, but getting Willock permanently is a big signing – for the club and for Saint-Maximin.