It looks like our transfer window will be dominated by Joe Willock, but at what point will Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin become a factor?
The Frenchman has had another wonderful season for the Magpies. He’s been majestic to watch, whilst also providing goals and assists in key moments.
In total, Saint-Maximin scored three goals and provided four assists in the Premier League.
If he hadn’t suffered with injury, he probably would have got more.
He was the star of the show when fans returned against Sheffield United, putting on a dazzling display.
Saint-Maximin completed an astounding 15 dribbles, the joint most in a single game in Europe this season alongside Lionel Messi.
He thrived with an audience, pulling out even more tricks and flicks than usual.
But could that be the last time Saint-Maximin plays for Newcastle at St James’ Park?
What does the future hold for Saint-Maximin?
A player that good is naturally going to attract interest from bigger clubs. It was recently reported that Roma are keen on his signature.
Saint-Maximin has even commented on his future, suggesting he might have to leave Newcastle for a club that matches his ambitions.
“But before I signed it [new contract], I had always said Newcastle should not be fighting against relegation every year,” he told Sky Sports (May 19th).
“We have to fight for the top 10, it’s what the supporters deserve.
“Sometimes you have to think about your future, you can see Leicester winning the FA Cup, you play football to win trophies, not to fight to stay up.
“We have to buy more players like Joe Willock, he can be really great for the team and for myself, I am 24 years old, and have to think about the national team, about winning trophies, and hope the club can give me that.”
Saint-Maximin hasn’t said outright that he wants to leave, but he’s made it clear that he won’t be sticking around for relegation battle after relegation battle.
The 24-year-old deserves better than Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United.
Newcastle reportedly value Saint-Maximin at £70million this transfer window
Money is set to be tight at St James’ Park this summer. It could be the reason we struggle to bring back Willock.
Numerous players could be sold in an attempt to raise funds.
That would be one plus to selling Saint-Maximin, however. He would surely go for a huge amount of money.
The Daily Mail claimed Newcastle value him at £70million, while the Athletic reported that the club want at least £50million.
Regardless, it’s a lot more than what he cost in 2019. At £16.5million, he was a bargain.
But no matter how highly Newcastle value Saint-Maximin, they simply cannot sell him.
£70million could help improve the squad, but it would come at the cost of losing our talisman.
Saint-Maximin is a player who can make something happen out of nothing. He’s a reason you would want to go and watch Newcastle right now. And believe me, there aren’t many.
Selling the forward would be completely counterproductive.
Even with £70million to spend, would we be able to find a like-for-like replacement for ASM? I highly doubt it.
And there’s no guarantee all that money would be made available to the manager.
The only way Saint-Maximin should be sold is if he wants to go.
Selling him might allow us to improve the squad in some areas, but it will severely weaken us in the final third.
£70million is a lot of money, but Allan Saint-Maximin is priceless to Newcastle United right now.
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