Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin is currently in discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli regarding a potential move to the club. The 26-year-old was not included in the Newcastle squad for their recent pre-season friendly against Rangers, with manager Eddie Howe confirming that he was in talks with another team.
Al-Ahli is one of four Saudi Arabian sides that the country’s Public Investment Fund, who also own Newcastle United, control a 75 percent stake in. However, if Al-Ahli were a UEFA-affiliated club, the potential transfer would be blocked due to new multi-club ownership rules introduced earlier this month.
Howe has expressed that Newcastle are reluctant to lose Saint-Maximin but claims that their need to sell is due to Financial Fair Play regulations. He stated, “Allan is in discussions regarding a move to another club. Nothing is confirmed, nothing is done. But that’s why he wasn’t here today. With Financial Fair Play, you have to trade, for us we were stuck in a position where we could not trade players the other way.”
He further explained, “That’s how FFP works. We understand that. Maxi is a top player and we definitely don’t want to lose him; we want to strengthen the group. Sometimes these things happen, and we have to accept that.” Howe emphasized that it is too early to speak of Saint-Maximin in the past tense and acknowledged that losing him would be a difficult moment for the team.
As Newcastle prepares for their pre-season tour in the United States, it is expected that Saint-Maximin will not travel with his teammates. Howe added, “There are no plans for him to join us tomorrow, but we will wait and see. There’s a time where he could end up with us again. If that is the case, we’d love to welcome him back.”
The potential move to Al-Ahli highlights the influence of the Saudi Arabian ownership on Newcastle United. The Public Investment Fund’s majority stake in both clubs allows for potential player transfers between them. However, the introduction of new multi-club ownership rules by UEFA aims to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain fair competition.
Financial Fair Play regulations also play a significant role in Newcastle’s decision to potentially sell Saint-Maximin. These regulations aim to ensure that clubs operate within their financial means and prevent excessive spending. If Newcastle needs to balance their books and comply with Financial Fair Play, selling players becomes a necessary step.
Allan Saint-Maximin has been a key player for Newcastle United since joining the club in 2019. Known for his pace, skill, and creativity, he has been a fan favorite and an important contributor to the team’s attacking prowess. Losing him would undoubtedly be a blow to Newcastle’s aspirations for the upcoming season.
However, if the transfer to Al-Ahli does go through, it could provide Saint-Maximin with a new challenge and opportunity to showcase his talents in a different league. The Saudi Pro League has been attracting notable players in recent years, and the move could potentially elevate Saint-Maximin’s career to new heights.
For Newcastle United, the potential sale of Saint-Maximin would mean the need to find a suitable replacement. The club would have to identify a player who can fill the void left by his departure and contribute effectively to the team’s attacking play. It would be a crucial task for manager Eddie Howe and the recruitment team to ensure that the squad remains competitive.
In conclusion, Allan Saint-Maximin’s discussions with Al-Ahli over a proposed move highlight the complexities of multi-club ownership and Financial Fair Play regulations. While Newcastle United is reluctant to lose such a talented player, the need to comply with financial regulations and balance the squad necessitates potential player sales. The outcome of these discussions will have a significant impact on both clubs and the player’s future.