Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin was apparently set to join Newcastle United, but does Rafa Benitez’s departure change things?
Strap yourselves in Newcastle United fans. This nightmare start to the week could be about to get a whole lot worse.
According to Nice Matin, the Magpies were close to agreeing a club-record £22.5 million deal to bring the thrilling Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin to St James’ Park.
Unfortunately, that was before Rafa Benitez walked away from Newcastle, the Spaniard’s departure confirmed on Monday after three-and-a-half years of consistent over-achievement under an owner who appears to see this proud old club as little more than a cash cow.
Considering that Benitez had almost unprecedented levels of control over recruitment at Newcastle, at least during the Mike Ashley reign, you can all-but guarantee that Saint-Maximin was a player the manager himself had identified himself as a key summer target.
But with Benitez now gone, Newcastle will hire a new coach with their own plans and transfer targets.
Whether Saint-Maximin, one of the most exciting forwards in French football and a player who contributed 11 goals and assists last season, is still on his way to St James’ Park remains to be seen.
Yet it seems unlikely that Newcastle will part with a club-record fee with no manager in place.
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