Published on 31.07.2023
The 26-year-old has left Newcastle United, joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli for an undisclosed fee
Allan Saint-Maximin becomes the fourth high profile player to join Al-Ahli this summer.They have also signed Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy from Premier League clubs.
Saint-Maximin, who joined the Magpies from Nice in 2019 and scored 12 Premier League goals in 111 games, has signed a four-year deal. On Saturday The Frenchman confirmed he was leaving Newcastle with an emotional social media post, saying his “greatest trophy” was playing for the club.
“We pick the best, and he’s one of them,” Al-Ahli posted on messaging platform X, previously known as Twitter. Al-Ahli are run by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns Newcastle.
Reports have claimed rival Premier League clubs are concerned that Saint-Maximin’s transfer fee, which has not been disclosed, could be inflated in order to help Newcastle comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. But manager Howe has said the transfer to Saudi “will satisfy the Premier League”, while the league’s chief executive Richard Masters insists its rules are “robust”.
The Frenchman’s obvious talent and ability to enthrall, coupled with an injury record which allowed for just 12 league starts last season, meant those inside the club knew he was their most saleable asset. Saint-Maximin was the brightest spark in a struggling team from the moment he arrived until the takeover in 2021. Under Steve Bruce, he almost single-handedly kept the club in the Premier League.
