Reporter thinks Allan Saint-Maximin is ‘unlikely’ to stay at Newcastle

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The future of Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United is unclear once again heading into the summer transfer window.

There were rumours of Saint-Maximin leaving the club at the start of the season, then talk of a Newcastle exit continued in January.

But the Frenchman has remained at St James’ Park, and was really starting to perform in recent weeks – until another injury problem hit. He is currently out of action with a hamstring issue, although Eddie Howe has stated that it is not as bad as first feared.

Regardless, the 26-year-old is playing for his future with Newcastle. There is no new contract on the horizon for Maxi, despite his desire to receive a pay rise.

Instead, there have been reports that the Magpies will consider selling Saint-Maximin if the right offer comes in.

Allan Saint-Maximin could leave Newcastle this summer

Give Me Sport have spoke to journalist Dean Jones about Saint-Maximin’s future at St James’ Park, and he does not expect the winger to remain on Tyneside.

“I think Allan Saint-Maximin is unlikely to be there [next season],” he said.

“We’ve talked about this before quite a lot. Nothing has changed, but they’re looking to level up the team.

“Also, how Saint-Maximin’s contract works regarding wages and appearances makes him more vulnerable to a sale. That’s my understanding of the situation. So, I think that he could well leave.”

Pressure on ASM to deliver consistently

Jones believes that Saint-Maximin could be on his way out, admitting that he is ‘unlikely’ to be a Newcastle player next season.

That would be a real shame, with the club on course to qualify for the Champions League. Saint-Maximin has the individual talent to excel at that level, but it is something we have not seen enough of under Eddie Howe’s management.

ASM is no longer Newcastle’s talisman. We have found a way to be successful without him. That is something Steve Bruce could never do, but Howe has cracked the code.

That does not mean Saint-Maximin has no impact. There have been moments this season where he has been irresistible. However, there have also been problems.

He has really struggled to stay fit, and that has coincided with a lack of consistency in his performances. There are also issues regarding his defensive capabilities, with Howe requiring his wingers to press tirelessly and intelligently, as well as providing protection for their fullback.

With eight games to go, time is running out for Saint-Maximin to prove he can continue on this journey with Newcastle. And given his obscene ability, he is probably the one player we could receive a major fee for if we did decide to cash in. That will also be playing on Howe’s mind, especially with financial fair play continuing to be an issue.