Allan Saint-Maximin is closing in on a move to Italy but there is now one complication involving PIF-owned Al-Alhi.
It has been 18 months since Newcastle United waved goodbye to Allan Saint-Maximin – a winger who was adored by the Toon fanbase.
Eddie Howe was a big admirer of Saint-Maximin but ultimately it was decided in the summer of 2023 that it was the right time to sell the Frenchman.
Saint-Maximin was sold to Al-Alhi for £23m, with the PIF-owned club eager to bring the skillful winger over to the Saudi Pro League.
However, his time in Saudi was short-lived with Saint-Maximin joining Fenerbahce on loan last summer. Now, a move to Italian giants Napoli is on the cards.
Allan Saint-Maximin’s move to Napoli at risk
Reports earlier this week revealed that Saint-Maximin is in talks with Napoli over a loan move.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Napoli made contact with Al Ahli with Antonio Conte eager to strengthen his attacking department.
However, reports now suggest there is a financial dispute holding up the deal.
As reported by Hurriyet, Ciro Venerato has explained that Fenerbahce are requesting money for Saint-Maximin’s move despite him only joining the club on loan.
He explains: “Napoli have reached an agreement with Al Ahli, the club that owns the player’s registration rights. The Saudi transfer market is closed. The player was sent on loan to Fenerbahce.
“Now there is a financial problem: Napoli can pay compensation but they only want to pay it to Al Ahli. The problem is that the Turkish side also want money from Napoli.
“Giovanni Manna (Sporting Director) is trying to resolve the situation at the moment. I expect Maximin’s transfer to be finalized on Monday.”
Allan Saint-Maximin deal could survive financial hiccup
At the end of the explanation, it states that Saint-Maximin’s deal could still go through and be finalised on deadline day.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu is certainly confident that Saint-Maximin is about to complete the complicated switch. Via X, he posted: “The paperwork in the Fenerbahçe, Al Ahli and Napoli triangle is being completed!
“There is a three-legged loan transfer process between the parties that needs to be resolved before the transfer window closes. Procedures are continuing at full speed!”
READ MORE: Newcastle told the player they want to sign is like Allan Saint-Maximin with ‘more end product’
Still only 27 years old, Saint-Maximin will now have the opportunity to return to top form at a European giant.
If Newcastle can secure a return to European football this season, a reunion could even be on the cards in future years.
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