Tuesday night was one of heartbreak for former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman has a new club, with Allan Saint-Maximin signing for Fenerbahce on loan earlier this summer.
Saint-Maximin has already returned to Europe after heading to Saudi Arabia 12 months ago, and is now working under Jose Mourinho in Turkey. It is a great opportunity for the 27-year-old, who Newcastle United sold last year.
Fenerbahce dumped out of Champions League
However, it is an opportunity that has already brought some disappointment.
Fenerbahce had the chance to qualify for this season’s Champions League, but it is a chance that has passed them by.
They were knocked out of the qualifying stage of the competition by Lille, who beat the Turkish giants 3-2 over two legs.
Tuesday night’s second leg went to extra time, with a 91st minute goal handing Fenerbahce a Champions League lifeline. Saint-Maximin had come off at this point, having been substituted in the 75th minute.
However, a 118th minute penalty from Newcastle-linked Jonathan David made it 1-1 on the night and 3-2 to Lille on aggregate.
Just like that, Fenerbahce were out, meaning Saint-Maximin’s wait to play in the Champions League goes on. He has still never played in Europe’s elite competition, despite appearing in four qualifiers.
Allan Saint-Maximin missed out on Champions League after Newcastle United exit
It is such a shame for Saint-Maximin, who was robbed of a direct route into the Champions League last season.
Newcastle United were involved in the competition, having finished fourth during the 2022/23 season.
Saint-Maximin was part of the reason Newcastle qualified for the Champions League, but was unable to reap the rewards.
He was sold to Al-Ahli before the Magpies’ Champions League journey began, with the winger needing to go to allow the Magpies to reinvest. Eddie Howe wanted to keep Saint-Maximin, but his departure allowed Newcastle to sign Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes. In the end, it has proven to be good business.
But it was a shame for Saint-Maximin to miss out on playing in the Champions League, and now it has happened again. Instead, it will be Europa League football for ASM.
Ayoze Perez joins a new club
It is heartbreak for one former Newcastle United player, while another has a new club.
Ayoze Perez has left Real Betis, despite only signing for the La Liga side in July 2023. He has now joined Villarreal, agreeing a four-year contract with Marcelino’s side.
There will be no European football for the 31-year-old, whereas he would have competed in the Conference League had he remained at Real Betis.
But Perez is on the move, as he continues to bask in the glory of being a European Championship winner with Spain.
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