According to The Athletic, those close to Allan Saint-Maximin insist there is “no truth” in reports claiming he’s looking to leave the club this summer.
Eddie Howe stated last week that the 25-year-old is “absolutely” part of his “long-term” plans at St James’ Park, shutting down suggestions that we could cash in on the Frenchman in a few months time.
The Athletic also reveal that the club’s Saudi-backed buyers see Saint-Maximin as our star man – something Amanda Staveley said herself soon after the takeover – and they aren’t the only outlet to share this message from the top.
Mark Douglas at i news has also doubled down on these claims, insisting he is a big part of our future plans and someone our new owners and Eddie Howe want to ‘retain him, work with him and build something special that he features in prominently.’
ASM hasn’t scored since January, has battled injury issues and is sometimes questioned for his selfishness on and off the ball, but there’s little doubt he is our most gifted player and someone who could grow with the club if he is able to add consistency and maturity to his game.
The coach does not trust ASM at the moment and I would be the same, unsure what he is going to do and when and where he will lose the ball
He will be sold if the correct offer comes in
Kev(Quote)
His the only player we have that I feel has regressed imo under Howe with our last two managers we needed him to play the way he does but now we have a more possession based style he needs to retain the ball he hasn’t got to beat players every time he gets the ball that what I think his struggling with he still thinks his got to get us up the pitch
Marc(Quote)