Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Liam Kennedy discusses Allan Saint-Maximin’s future at the club

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Image for Newcastle United: Liam Kennedy discusses Allan Saint-Maximin’s future at the club

Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy has given his thoughts on Allan Saint-Maximin’s future at the club and a potential move away in the January transfer window.

The January transfer window is right around the corner, and whilst Newcastle do have some money to spend, there will be the chance to sell players as well – not only to generate funds, but also because spaces may need to be freed up in order to keep the club inside the maximum 25-man squad size.

Speaking on the latest edition of NUFC Matters, when asked by a fan about whether or not Saint-Maximin would have to be sold in order to raise funds for the upcoming window to bring in players that might help them fight off relegation, Kennedy claimed that whilst Saint-Maximin’s long-term future is certainly up for debate, when it comes to his time at the club this season, there didn’t seem to be much to discuss.

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He said: “I don’t think Eddie Howe will be looking to sell him in the January transfer window. Next summer, who knows? You don’t know the situation Newcastle are going to find themselves in. They might not be in the division, they might be looking to completely rebuild, they might be looking to rebuild the team around Saint-Maximin. We don’t know that.

“But I would say looking at January, I think there’s virtually zero chance that Allan Saint-Maximin will be pushed out the exit door.”

TIF Thoughts on Liam Kennedy’s comments about Allan Saint-Maximin and Newcastle United…

Can Newcastle afford to lose Saint-Maximin?

No

No

We'll survive

We'll survive

Kennedy is right when you analyse his comments about how the club could handle Saint-Maximin in the summer. It’s far too early to suggest what the club might be forced to do with him come the summer based on their battle against relegation, but it would be strange to sell him this upcoming window.

Saint-Maximin has arguably been Newcastle’s most important player so far this season, as he leads the team on goal involvements with four goals and three assists, as well as most dribbles per game at 4.2 per match – almost four times as much as the next highest at the club in Joe Willock. Meanwhile, he also ranks in the top two for key passes and shots per game and has the highest overall rating of 7.23 (via WhoScored).

Therefore, he arguably represents Newcastle’s best chance to stay in the division with what he brings to the side. Whilst he might be able to bring the club something when it comes to his value in the bank, he appears to be far more important to them on the pitch, so Kennedy’s comments should be of great relief to the Toon faithful.

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Freelance sports journalist & broadcaster.