Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli present €25m bid for Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin

The French winger looks set to leave the Premier League

Reports suggest that French international and Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin is set to leave the Magpies this summer, with his most likely destination being the Saudi Pro league.

Allan Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle United in 2019 on a transfer from Ligue 1 side Nice. During his 4 year stay with Newcastle United, he made 111 appearances for them and provided numerous assists while scoring 12 goals.

Although he had an injury ridden campaign, he still managed to contribute to Newcastle’s historic run up to a Champions League spot last season, their first in two decades. Last season, Saint-Maximin made 25 appearances and 12 starts for The Magpies, in which he scored one goal and provided 5 assists, while creating 28 chances.

Although it is widely accepted that Saint-Maximin is not a perfect winger, and many aspects of his game can be improved, he was easily Newcastle’s best winger last season. However, with the signings of new talents, for example, the likes of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, it will be interesting to see how he will fit into the side, that is if he stays.

Saint-Maximin was missing from action in Newcastle’s pre-season match against Rangers. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has implied that it is not conformed whether the French winger will be joining them on their pre-season tour to America.

Commenting on Allan Saint-Maximin’s rumoured departure, Howe was quoted as saying:

“Alan is in discussions regarding moving to another club. Nothing is confirmed, nothing is done at these stages but that’s why he wasn’t here today.”

The manager expressed his desire to keep the player.

“Maxi is a top player. We definitely don’t want to lose him, we want to strengthen the group but sometimes these things happen and we have to accept that. It is early to speak of Maxi in the pat tense at Newcastle, certainly our respect and love for him is the same as the supporters”.

After acquiring Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this summer, Al Ahli have present ASM with a salary amounting to €12m per year, meaning if he decides to go to Saudi, the winger will be earning 200,000 pounds per week.