Journalist shares how Newcastle feel internally about Allan Saint-Maximin

Add as preferred source on Google

Allan Saint-Maximin’s Newcastle United future is currently up in the air, but he is still valued behind the scenes.

Saint-Maximin started Friday’s win over Nottingham Forest, but was taken off at half time and replaced by Elliot Anderson.

It was a disappointing performance from the 26-year-old, who appeared to be struggling with an injury. However, he did play a part in Alexander Isak’s first goal at the City Ground. ASM linked up with Joe Willock before the midfielder provided the assist for Isak.

Maxi was majorly underwhelming on Friday night, and there have recently been reports that he could leave St James’ Park this summer. The Athletic have stated that the club will consider selling him if they receive a good offer, while the Telegraph believe a departure could be on the cards of the winger agitates for a move away.

Allan Saint-Maximin is ‘highly valued’ by Newcastle

Despite recent claims, it sounds like Saint-Maximin is still held in high regard behind the scenes at Newcastle. That is according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who has provided an update on him on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne.

“The thing with Allan Saint-Maximin is, and this is what they think inside the club as well, is that he still does bring something different to Newcastle, particularly in home matches against sides who sit deep,” Waugh said.

He added: “Allan Saint-Maximin is still vital to Newcastle, certainly in the short to medium term and he might not really have performed on Friday night, whether that was down to injury or not, he is still someone who is highly valued within the club.”

ASM fighting to save his Newcastle career

It is unclear what the future holds for Saint-Maximin. For the first time since arriving on Tyneside, fans are probably more open to the prospect of him being sold.

He has endured an injury ridden season, and has struggled to have a major impact since returning to fitness. We have seen flashes of Saint-Maximin’s ability, and he was particularly brilliant in the defeat to Liverpool. Eddie Howe was delighted with his contribution that night.

But with talk of new arrivals and a possible Champions League campaign on the horizon, Saint-Maximin needs to raise his game to prove he still has a part to play.

He has the ability to change games, and his unpredictability makes him a massive threat against teams who sit in a low block. That is going to become a regular occurrence the more Newcastle improve, which is why we need Saint-Maximin to show he can be part of the Magpies’ future under Howe.

The 2020 signing is still admired for his talents, and hopefully we can find a way to be successful with him rather than without. There is no denying that he is a special player, and someone who is a real joy to watch when he is on form.