It is with a heavy heart that Newcastle United fans will say goodbye to their hero, Allan Saint-Maximin. The French star is in the final stages of negotiations for a move to the Saudi Pro League, leaving a big hole in the squad, and a massive hole in the hearts of the Newcastle faithful.
Wing Wizard
Saint-Maximin was an instant hit on Tyneside after his move from Nice in 2019. His thrilling speed and trickery with the ball transported supporters back to the ‘Entertainers’ days of Kevin Keegan, and the Toon Army quickly took the winger to their hearts.
He played a key part in helping the team avoid relegation, coming up with goals and assists at the right time and giving those betting on football a chance to win when backing Newcastle.
He was then made to sit and watch the team’s revival last season, but he did play his part in their Champions League qualification and also played in the League Cup Final. One downside to last season was in the FA Cup, a competition that they are priced at 10/1 to win for those making 2024 FA Cup bets.
The arrival of a new, more talented group of players over the past year, and more due to arrive this summer looks to have put the final nail in the coffin of Maxi’s Toon career. Eddie Howe has been keen to stress that he would love to keep the flamboyant Frenchman at the club, but with him being the only saleable asset, he will have to be used as a way to bring in some money and ease the burden on the team’s Financial Fair Play hindrance.
It is unfortunate to see the talented trickster having to leave at this stage of the club’s resurgence, as it would have been a joy to see him taking on Europe’s best defences in next season’s Champions League. It is probably the best thing for both parties at this time, and at 26 years old, Maxi will have plenty to offer Al Ahli when he sets sail for Saudi Arabia.
🚨 Howe: “Saint Maximin? Talks are on. With FFP we have to trade, otherwise we would be stuck this summer – I don’t want to lose him” ⚪️⚫️ #NUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2023
“FFP forces it, to a degree. It looks like it will happen. Sometimes these things have to happen for club to grow”.
Al Ahli, on it 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/TsFsVvWJkL
Maxi’s Most Memorable Moment
There are too many highlights of Saint-Maximin’s skills and performances to mention, and it would take quite a while to come up with a highlight reel short enough to show here. The Toon hero has been unplayable at times during his stay on Tyneside and has been hailed as the most skilful player that many players and coaches have ever seen.
At times, his end product was lacking and, in truth, he really should have scored a lot more than the twelve goals he has registered in the black and white. One of those goals that will be remembered for some time by Newcastle fans, however, is the stunning last-minute volley against Wolves which rescued a point for the team away from home.
One of the goals of the season, Saint-Maximin showed incredible composure to catch a high, looping ball on his right foot, before hammering the ball home to the delight of the Newcastle fans. It was an incredible goal from an incredible player, a player that will be fondly remembered for some time by everyone involved with Newcastle United football club.
Farewell Maxi, our wing wizard who, for so long, was our only shining light at St James’ Park.
It’s always tough for fans when a beloved player like Allan Saint-Maximin leaves a club. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the Newcastle United squad, both in terms of his contributions on the pitch and the emotional connection he had with the fans. Transfers are a part of the football world, and while it’s sad to see him go, fans will likely wish him the best in his new journey in the Saudi Pro League.
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