Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin did not leave the Premier League high-flyers for Serie A because AC Milan ‘had other priorities’, agent Fabrizio Ferrari tells DAZN, quoted by Alfredo Pedulla.
The phrase ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ comes to mind when discussing Saint-Maximin’s sudden back-seat role at St James’ Park. If anything sums up Eddie Howe’s ‘collective over the individual approach’, it’s dropping arguably Newcastle’s most technically-gifted, unpredictable player in favour of the comparatively-limited but relentlessly hard-working Joe Willock.
Saint-Maximin has not started a single Premier League game since August’s 1-1 draw with Wolves; a game in which he scored a stunning, last-gasp minute equaliser.
The former Monaco schemer also managed fewer than 30 minutes of action in both legs of Newcastle’s EFL Cup semi-final win over Southampton, setting up a meeting with Nottingham Forest or (more likely) Manchester United at Wembley.
And, while Saint-Maximin has gone about his business with maturity and professionalism so far, it’s unlikely a player of his unquestionable talent will be content with his ‘supersub’ role for too much longer.
Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin had ‘a chat’ with AC Milan
According to Gianluca di Marzio, AC Milan opened talks over a potential £25 million deal for Saint-Maximin late in the window. A report seemingly confirmed, now, by Fabrizio Ferrari.
“It was a chat. We took measures, but there was never a real opportunity to see him at Milan,” the agent says, speaking on behalf of Saint-Maximin.
“I think there was at least appreciation for the player. But we didn’t go ahead because Milan had other priorities.”
Interestingly, Ferrari did indicate that Saint-Maximin would have been keen on the idea of joining the admittedly-stumbling Serie A champions. AC Milan are still in the Champions League too; taking on Tottenham Hotspur in February.
“(Was there the) willingness of the player?” Ferrari adds. “How can you not like this club?”
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