Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport that Newcastle United are open to the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin this month with the French attacker struggling to start for Eddie Howe’s side at the moment – last starting a game in August.
Now, that is not solely on the 26-year-old. Injury has hampered his progress, after starting Newcastle’s first four Premier League matches. He managed just 12 minutes of action across the next nine outings, and has lost his place.
Miguel Almiron is on fire, and the form of Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff in midfield means Joelinton has been moved to the left flank. Saint-Maximin has returned from injury to come on as a sub in six of Newcastle’s last seven games.
Against Fulham, he came on at half-time to replace the injure Bruno Guimaraes. Joelinton move back into midfield. So, the chances are that if Bruno is injured moving forward, Saint-Maximin could start. But Downie has given an update.
“If Saint-Maximin goes – and I think there’s a possibility of that – and they manage to get some money for him, I think they could go out and buy someone,” Downie told GMS, when asked if Saint-Maximin could leave this month.
Downie: Newcastle open to sale of Saint-Maximin this month
It would be a surprise. Saint-Maximin was in excellent form in his first four starts – two assists in the 3-3 draw with Manchester City, and his wonderful volley to pull level against Wolves. But he may be becoming agitated on the pitch.
Saint-Maximin, at his best, is a wonderful player. His 32 goal involvements in 109 Newcastle appearances do not tell the whole story. He is an intriguing personality, that can go past five players and score – or flatter to deceive.
His end product has come under question at times. The winger has a contract at Newcastle until the summer of 2026 but to get the best out of him, he needs to playing regularly. But it would be a surprise, given he is a fan favourite.
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