Mark Douglas has been discussing Allan-Saint-Maximin’s future on Tyneside during a recent episode of the Everything is Black and White podcast.
Earlier in the year, Saint-Maximin delivered an ultimatum to the club in an interview with Stadium Astro (via The Chronicle), stating that he loves being at Newcastle, but knows that the club must keep trying to move forward and not be in another relegation battle.
Is Saint-Maximin worth £60 million?
Yes!
No!
To try and fend off any interest in the winger, Newcastle have slapped a reported £60 million price tag on his head, but that has not stopped former Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez from reportedly holding an interest in the Frenchman.
Douglas has been talking about the worry he has with Saint-Maximin on the Everything is Black and White podcast.
“The other thing that worries you a little bit is obviously Allan Saint-Maximin was very vocal a few months ago about needing Newcastle to kind of kick on and keep going if they were going to get any better.
“Will they look at Allan Saint-Maximin and say yes he was [vocal], but he played, I can’t remember what it is, about 40% of the games he missed last season or didn’t finish?
“Will they look at it and say if we can raise the, I think, £75 million that we want for him – do we take the money and reinvest it in the rest of the squad? Bring in Joe Willock and then add other players – that’s the gamble.”
TIF Thoughts on Saint-Maximin’s situation…
Saint-Maximin was a standout player for the Magpies last season in so many attacking departments such as dribbles attempted and completed, progress made on the ball and goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, and that willingness to carry the ball is so important to relieving pressure off Newcastle’s defence.
With Steve Bruce’s budget reportedly a mere £10 million, Saint-Maximin is arguably one of the most sellable assets at the club, but take the winger out of that side and it would be likely that the final bit of hope and enjoyment fans get from watching the Magpies would leave the club as well.