Some conflicting claims have emerged on the fee Al-Ahli could be set to pay for Allan Saint-Maximin; who looks set to leave St James’ Park for Saudi Arabia following Eddie Howe’s comments last night.
From France, L’Equipe and RMC Sport report that we’ve been offered €25m (£21.5m) plus bonuses for the winger, with both reporting that a €12m per-season salary has been sent the player’s way, allowing ASM to earn around £200,000-a-week.
Elsewhere, The Mail’s Craig Hope claims we are in talks over a deal worth £30m; perhaps the total amount when you factor in the ‘bonuses’ mentioned by L’Equipe and RMC Sport? Either way, it looks like the former Nice star is heading for the exit door and set to be replaced by Leicester’s Harvey Barnes.
The Frenchman could join former Chelsea stopper Édouard Mendy and ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino at Al-Ahli, with the Saudi side also working on a deal for Man City winger Riyah Mahrez.
Speaking after last night’s 2-1 win at Rangers, Howe said: “He’s in discussions re a move. With FFP we have to trade, otherwise we would be stuck this summer. I don’t want to lose him. FFP forces it, to a degree. It looks like it will happen. Sometimes these things have to happen for club to grow”
Swap Maxi for Barnes, no thanks, better stats but has not been triple marked.
Swap Maxi for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia understandable, world-class player.
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’d swap him at the drop of a hat.
He’s not triple marked – they swarm onto him only when he gets the ball, at which point he generally falls over and looks at the ref like a scolded puppy.
This would be one of the VERY rare occasional when I say the stats don’t lie.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
I understand swapping Maxi for Harvey Barnes.
Harvey has a record of a goal every 4 games and an assist in every 6 games in Premier League.
Maxi has a record of a goal every 10 games and an assist in every 5 games in the Premier League.
Maxi doesn’t do as much defensive work.
But Maxi is one of the most exciting players in PL there is always a buzz when he gets the ball.
I can’t believe the press a quoting only £20 – £30 Million for him considering the other player prices that have gone to Saudi League!
Anthony Barry Munro(Quote)
The idea of Newcastle offloading one of their most valuable players, who has a contract spanning another five years, for a mere 30 million is simply preposterous. Considering the bargain-basement price, it seems sensible to retain Maxi rather than purchasing Barnes, despite the statistical evidence advocating for the latter. Interestingly, every Leicester player that has been sold turned out to be a disappointment, with the exceptions of Kante and Mahrez. However, both of these exceptions frequently missed parts of each new season due to injury.
I suggest holding on to ASM, showcasing his talent during the Champions League matches which could potentially inflate his market value to somewhere around 60-70 million. He is one of the rare players who creates a sense of excitement and confidence in the team’s ability to score when he’s on the attack, significantly boosting morale.
RVD(Quote)
Rather maxi than barnes .. maxi creates space for others to score and assist .. if we are not swapping him for kashavelli then I don’t think it’s worth the swap to barnes …
Mike(Quote)