Howe makes huge transfer decision that could backfire on Newcastle

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Newcastle recently sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli.

Newcastle netted £23 million for Allan Saint-Maximin, and new arrival Harvey Barnes will take up his place in the squad.

Eddie Howe certainly won’t have found it easy to let Saint-Maximin go. The attacker was a fan favourite at St James’ Park, and had been with the club for four seasons, since his arrival from Nice.

The Frenchman departed Tyneside having made 124 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions, and with the club reinstated in the Champions League.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe has said that Saint-Maximin is an “incredible” player. However, Newcastle found themselves in a position where sales were necessary so the manager probably felt he had to let the 26-year-old go.

That is a decision that may well come back to haunt him this season. Barnes is undoubtedly an excellent player, whilst the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon can contribute in that part of the pitch. In certain matches, though, Howe will wish he still had Saint-Maximin to call on.

Why Newcastle will miss Saint-Maximin

Newcastle have been transformed over the last 18 months. Their return to the Champions League and their fine form last season has made them a target. No opposition will take them lightly, or want to play into their hands.

Howe’s side love to invite pressure and counter attack. This season, though, they will encounter more opponents who sit deep and focus on trying to block them out. Even for quality players like Bruno Guimaraes, Isak, and Joe Willock, that can be tough to contend with and break down.

Saint-Maximin’s sheer unpredictability and ability to pull off the spectacular makes him exactly the kind of wildcard that Howe will wish he had in these kinds of scenarios. Saint-Maximin wouldn’t have been a regular starter, but in certain matches he could well have proved the perfect solution. Howe must now find another way of conjuring up that game-changing effect.