Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe Addresses Concerns Over Allan Saint-Maximin’s Potential Sale
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reassured fans and the Premier League that the potential sale of star player Allan Saint-Maximin to Al Ahli will be conducted “above board and done properly.” This statement comes in response to recent reports by The Athletic, which suggested that several clubs plan to raise concerns with the Premier League about the deal.
The disquiet surrounding Saint-Maximin’s proposed sale stems from the fact that Al Ahli is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also holds an 80% stake in Newcastle United. Some English top-flight teams have expressed concerns that the PIF link is being exploited to inflate Saint-Maximin’s transfer fee and disguise an injection of capital as a legitimate transaction, potentially helping Newcastle comply with financial fair play rules.
Howe addressed these concerns, stating, “The deal is not confirmed, so it’s difficult to provide too much detail or clarity at this stage. However, I can assure everyone that we will adhere to the same rules as every other Premier League club. We will ensure that the deal meets all the necessary criteria to be considered above board and done properly.”
Premier League regulations now require all transactions above £1 million to be thoroughly examined, regardless of whether they involve associated parties. The purpose of this scrutiny is to ensure that deals do not exceed the “market value” of the players involved.
When asked if the potential deal represents market value, Howe responded, “It’s challenging for me to say because I have my own opinion. However, I am confident that it will satisfy the Premier League or any other governing body responsible for reviewing the deal.”
In addition to addressing concerns over Saint-Maximin’s potential sale, Howe also expressed hope that midfielder Harvey Barnes could join the team’s pre-season tour in the United States. The Athletic reported that Newcastle has agreed to a fee of approximately £38 million with Leicester City for Barnes, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
“Yeah, there’s hope that could possibly be done, but I’m hesitant to provide too many details until it’s finalized,” Howe said when asked about Barnes potentially joining the tour. “Harvey is a player I really, really like, but he is still under contract with Leicester, so that’s as much as I can say at the moment.”
The potential transfer of Allan Saint-Maximin and the potential signing of Harvey Barnes are crucial moves for Newcastle United as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season. Both players have been instrumental in the team’s success in recent years, and their departures or arrivals could significantly impact the squad’s dynamics.
As fans eagerly await further updates on these potential deals, it is essential for all parties involved to ensure transparency and compliance with Premier League regulations. The scrutiny surrounding the ownership links and financial implications emphasizes the need for thorough assessments to maintain the integrity of the transfer market.
Newcastle United supporters will be hoping that Eddie Howe’s assurances hold true and that any potential transfers are conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The club’s success on the pitch and compliance with financial regulations are equally important for the long-term stability and growth of the team.
As negotiations continue and details unfold, fans will be eagerly anticipating official announcements regarding the potential sale of Allan Saint-Maximin and the possible signing of Harvey Barnes. These moves could shape Newcastle United’s future and determine their competitiveness in the Premier League.