Newcastle 26-year-old could now be sold to Saudi Arabian club – journalist

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Stories about Allan Saint-Maximin leaving Newcastle United refuse to go away.

The 26-year-old sent out a cryptic message at the end of last season that hinted he could be on the way out, but reports since then have suggested that he is gong to stay put.

It has been claimed that ASM wants to continue being a Newcastle player, while it does not sound like Toon officials are actively trying to sell the Frenchman.

Despite this, stories about him leaving the club continue. It was suggested on Monday that Newcastle could cash in on Saint-Maximin, while a new claim from 90min reporter Graeme Bailey has hinted that he could get the chance to move to the Middle East.

Saint-Maximin could have the chance to leave Newcastle

Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, 90min journalist Graeme Bailey stated that Saint-Maximin could have the chance to leave Newcastle and join a club in Saudi Arabia this summer.

“He is an option for Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“They are looking at him. He’s not going to get a new contract at Newcastle because he’s still got – 2026 I think his contract is.

“He wanted a new deal, he’s not going to get one. Last season showed, he started about a dozen games. He’s not in Eddie Howe’s plans to start games regularly.”

Saudi move would create huge controversy

Where do you begin with this?

We will start with the Saudi Arabia issue. Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are launching a huge recruitment drive this summer, with lots of big names taking their talents to the Middle East. In that respect, it is no surprise that they are interested in Saint-Maximin.

However, the issues emerge when you remember who own 80% of Newcastle United… That’s right, it’s PIF, who are now majority shareholders in four of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs.

It is unclear who wants to buy ASM, but there will be huge questions raised if it is either Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli or Al Ittihad. That would surely be seen as a conflict of interests, and cast a further spotlight on Newcastle’s ownership.

Aside from that, criticising Saint-Maximin for not starting that much last season seems harsh, as he had major fitness issues. And when he did return, Newcastle were winning. Thus, it was hard for him to get back into the side.

As always with Maxi, there is so much outside noise. We just need the football to start again so he can get out there and let his performances do the talking.