Saint-Maximin’s Newcastle career could be over if Toon sign Kvaratskhelia

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Newcastle United reportedly remain interested in Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and that could be bad news for Allan Saint-Maximin.

It was reported by the Times last year that the Magpies wanted to sign the £50million rated Georgian winger. They stated that he was a priority target for PIF for either January or the summer transfer window.

January has now been and gone, and Kvaratskhelia did not arrive at St James’ Park. A new winger did, with Anthony Gordon signing from Everton for £45million.

But it does not look like that deal has ended Newcastle’s interest in Kvaratskhelia. Journalist Ben Jacobs has told Caught Offside that Eddie Howe’s side are continuing to closely watch the 22-year-old ahead of this summer.

His performances for Napoli would make him a dream signing for Toon fans, but any deal could signal the end of the road for the Magpies’ current number 10.

Saint-Maximin would surely leave if Kvaratskhelia signed for Newcastle

Kvaratskhelia is currently part of Napoli’s incredible title charge. They are now 15 points clear at the top of Serie A, and the winger is a massive reason why.

In what is his debut season in Italy, Kvaratskhelia has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists. In the league alone he has 20 goal contributions. In his past four Serie A appearances, he has three goals and four assists. He also embarrassed Juventus on what could be a defining night in Napoli’s title charge last month.

His numbers are staggering. He boasts the end product that managers crave, as he combines exhilarating flair and speed with decision making. It is a rare combination, and exactly what Howe is looking for from his forwards.

Saint-Maximin has the first part, but the decision making isn’t quite there. His numbers in front of goal do not reflect his natural ability, while his return to the starting XI is not going to plan.

The Frenchman looks off the pace at the moment – a shadow of his former self. He is no longer a guaranteed starter at St James’ Park, and he will fall even further down the pecking order if Kvaratskhelia arrives.

It feels unlikely that the 25-year-old would be happy to sit on the bench, but that would surely become a reality if Kvaratskhelia arrived. The Napoli superstar is a level above, and could be a transformative signing on Tyneside.

He is going to cost a huge amount of money, but he could be affordable if Newcastle are able to qualify for the Champions League. And if Howe does sign the left-sided forward, it is difficult to see Saint-Maximin sticking around.