Newcastle United sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Al Ahli last year, and now Alan Pardew believes that one of his new teammates could be a good signing for the Magpies.
Saint-Maximin was one of multiple major names to head to Saudi Arabia, with Al Ahli building an exciting team thanks to the riches of PIF.
They also brought in Riyad Mahrez and former Toon target Gabri Veiga, while they also signed Roberto Firmino on a free.
He joined the Saudi Pro League club after his Liverpool contract expired, with the 32-year-old agreeing a contract with the Middle East side until 2026.
However, there have since been rumours that Firmino could be keen to leave Al Ahli, and Alan Pardew believes that he might be a decent signing for Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
Alan Pardew thinks Roberto Firmino would be a good signing for Newcastle
Pardew has been speaking about Firmino on the TalkSPORT YouTube channel, and admitted that he thinks Newcastle should potentially be interested in the Premier League winner after suggestions that he could do a job at Arsenal.
“I don’t see that [Arsenal],“ he said.
“They have Jesus there and that’s the same role really.
“But he is a top player and character. The morale compass that he has got going is great. You can bring him in and you know everyone is going to love him. The fans as well. He’s a good signing.
“I think Newcastle would be a nice spot for him. They could be interested.“
No chance of Firmino joining Newcastle this month
While Newcastle could benefit from signing another attacker and Firmino is an incredibly talented forward, there is no way he will be heading to Tyneside during the January transfer window.
First of all, he is probably a bit too old for the Magpies. They are always looking for players who can continue to grow and develop in the coming years, and you are not going to get that from Firmino.
Secondly, the wages he will be on at Al Ahli will be astronomical – figures that Newcastle would not be able to match, nor would they have any desire to.
Thirdly, the PIF factor. Al Ahli are owned by the Saudi investment fund, just like Newcastle, meaning that any deal between the two clubs would come under major scrutiny. While Premier League rules would allow a move to happen, it does not mean that it will.
Pardew might think it is a good idea, but Firmino to Newcastle is definitely not going to happen.
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