The future of Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United is up in the air right now, and a new report suggests he could leave this summer.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle could be tempted to sell Saint-Maximin if they were to receive a decent offer.
The 26-year-old has returned to the starting XI in recent weeks, and has started to show signs of his former self. He was outstanding against Liverpool, while he also impressed in Sundayâs win over Wolves. However, there have also been some disappointing performances too.
His inconsistency combined with his defensive deficiencies raise questions about how suitable he is to Eddie Howeâs side, and that could potentially lead to a departure this summer.
It would be a real shame to see him go, as he is a fan favourite at St Jamesâ Park. His style of play endears supporters, while he was absolutely crucial during the Steve Bruce era.
But the Newcastle project is moving fast, and it could end up with Saint-Maximin being left behind.
Allan Saint-Maximin has 13 games to prove his worth to Newcastle
With the Magpies beginning to make plans for next season, various players are fighting for their future on Tyneside.
One of those is Saint-Maximin, and he has 13 games to prove why he should continue to be a part of Howeâs side.
The main thing he needs to do is provide more goals. Whether itâs scoring himself or providing assists, ASM needs to show that he can be a difference maker in the final third, which he hasnât really done during Howeâs tenure.
During an injury-ridden season, the Frenchman has scored just one goal and set up three. That isnât enough for a man of his ability. He is âunplayableâ on his day, but we havenât seen that day enough this season.
But if Maxi can go on a run now of scoring or assisting then he will prove that he is worth persevering with. It is probably the only thing that will save him, as it feels highly unlikely that he will ever be able to match Howeâs defensive demands. He was recently criticised by former Magpie Jose Enrique, who said the winger âdoesnât work hard enoughâ.
It might all depend on how much interest there is in Saint-Maximin. If a big offer comes in, it sounds like the club will consider it. Then it might come down to how much money is on the table, and who Newcastle can get in as a replacement.
For now, the ÂŁ16.5million man must step up and prove he is still up to the standard to continue on the Newcastle United journey, with Europe possibly on the horizon.