Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed on the latest episode of the Talking Transfers podcast that Newcastle United could look to replace Allan Saint-Maximin with Moussa Diaby.
It has already been a whirlwind few weeks for Newcastle and their fanbase, with reports claiming they are restricted to a £60m transfer budget this summer, though they have been linked with players such as Lucas Paqueta and Moussa Diaby, which would cost a combined total of £108m, according to the respective reports – while Dan Ashworth has finally joined the Magpies as sporting director.
However, it’s not all great news, with star man Saint-Maximin constantly being linked with a move away if a good enough offer is received, and with wingers such as Diaby and Jack Harrison linked with the Magpies, that could see the Frenchman sweating over this future.
Bailey has made the bold claim that Saint-Maximin could well be replaced this summer with Diaby potentially arriving in his place.
Who would be better for Newcastle?
Saint-Maximin!
Diaby!
He said: “We did do a story on this a few weeks ago where he’s not getting a pay rise out of Newcastle, he’s said some nasty things in the French press that Eddie Howe managed very well, but that wouldn’t have gone down well.
“I think Saint-Maximin will be replaced here, and I think Diaby is one player – they think they can get him for £50m; he’s one of the best wingers in Germany.”
TIF Thoughts on Diaby replacing Saint-Maximin…
While the French winger has been publicly praised by Eddie Howe and boasted his best return in front of goal since arriving on Tyneside this past season with five strikes and five assists, his lack of work and desire to defend – evidenced by only winning six tackles all season – will surely be raising the alarm within Howe’s coaching staff.
Diaby, a fellow Frenchman, has been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside and becoming a big-name signing, as PIF look to hand Howe the necessary tools to push on up the table and start fighting at the right end of the division – and looking at Diaby’s attacking output of 17 goals and 14 assists last season, he would certainly be an upgrade on those currently at the club.