Allan Saint-Maximin stars against Manchester United – What a cross! | OneFootball

Over the course of his four years at St James’ Park, Newcastle United fans spent much of the time worrying that they might lose Allan Saint-Maximin.

In the desperate days of Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce, ASM was arguably by far the biggest shining light that lifted the gloom at least some of the time.

The fearless Allan Saint-Maximin dribbling and occasional spectacular end product, made United almost watchable at times.

Along with Callum Wilson’s goals, the pair of them arguably meant by far the biggest factor in preventing relegation under Bruce and Ashley in 2019/20 and 2020/21.

As I said, Newcastle United fans for so long feared losing Allan Saint-Maximim to a more ambitious club. Yet when he eventually did leave, it felt more a case of Newcastle United having moved on from him, rather than the other way round.

No big hitters came in for the enigmatic ASM and he ended up moving to Al-Ahli for £23m in summer 2023.

As one of the youngest recruits to the Saudi Arabian domestic league, no great surprise when he swiftly moved again, only a year later.

Allan Saint-Maximin scored four goals and provided 10 assists for Al-Ahli, as they finished third in the Saudi Pro-League last season, however, moving on loan to join Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce in July (see below).

In seven league starts in Turkey so far, Allan Saint-Maximin making an impact, two goals and two assists so far.

On Thursday night, the 27 year old made his first start for Fenrbahce in the Europa League.

A typical Allan Saint-Maximin performance in many ways, going missing at times, however, at the same time he also showed some great attacking moments with the quality he is capable of.

Manchester United took the lead with a breakaway 15th minute goal, then the visitors rode their luck at times, as some last minute blocks and great Onana saves kept that lead intact.

However, a beautiful Allan Saint-Maximin cross (not what he was renowned for at Newcastle United!) assisted En-Nesyri to head home from close range for a deserved equaliser and eventual draw.

Allan Saint-Maximin turns 28 in March and interesting to see what happens, if he can carry on and have a big season in Turkey.

Will a club in the Premier League or one of the other major European leagues take a chance on him?

The Mag report – 17 July 2024:

Allan Saint-Maximin is on the move.

Newcastle United sold ASM to Al-Ahli last summer for £23m, now he is off to Turkey.

As had been speculated (see below), Allan Saint-Maximin has now joined Fenerbahce.

One of the attractions of the move will have been the fact that after finishing runners-up in their domestic league last season, Fenerbahce will be playing Champions League football this coming season.

Wednesday’s announcement is that it is a loan deal for the 2024/25 season.

The Mail reported on Tuesday that their information was that Allan Saint-Maximin would be getting a season-long loan but with no option to buy.

Allan Saint-Maximin sporting his new kit:

The Mag report – 16 July 2024:

‘Last week it was reported that Jose Mourinho was interested in signing Allan Saint-Maximin for Fenerbahce.

It was of course only last summer that the player was sold by Newcastle United to Al-Ahli.

The Saudi Pro-League club paying £23m for Allan Saint-Maximin.

Now it is expected that Jose Mourinho will seal the deal, as he sees the former Newcastle United player as a key part of his job in taking Fenerbahce levels higher.

The Mail say that their information is that by Wednesday at the latest the transfer is set to be officially confirmed, with currently only the final details needing to be signed out.

Interestingly, they state in their update that the deal is going to be a season-long loan move for Allan Saint-Maximin and that there will be no option to buy as part of the one year loan agreement.

Fenerbahce finished runners-up last season and can offer Allan Saint-Maximin Champions League football for the coming season.

Jose Mourinho has already recruited former Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu, AC Milan midfielder Rade Krunic, plus Turkish full-back Levent Mercan.

As one of the few under-30s who signed up last summer with a Saudi Pro-League club, it isn’t a massive surprise if at the age now of 27, ASM wants to have another go at a higher level of football, especially the chance to play in the Champions League.

Last season, Allan Saint-Maximin scored four goals and provided 10 assists for Al-Ahli, as they finished third in the Saudi Pro-League.