Allan Saint-Maximin: £50m-plus claim issued after Newcastle United transfer update – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Allan Saint-Maximin could be worth more than £50million to Newcastle United if he stays this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider’s Russell Edge, insisted the 25-year-old’s value is only going to rise playing alongside better players at St James’ Park next season.
As reported by the Daily Mail (25 May), Saint-Maximin is set to stay on Tyneside for the 2022-23 campaign, with no clubs willing to meet the Magpies’ £50million valuation.
Newcastle were reportedly open to cashing in for a big-money fee to bolster the coffers but will instead work on his development at St James’ Park.
With Eddie Howe’s men expected to be busy in the transfer window, Whelan suggested Saint-Maximin is likely to improve himself.
He claimed the winger’s value could exceed the current asking price as a result.
“He’s only worth what a manager and the club think he’s valued at,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“If he’s valued at £50million, that is what the going rate is for him. He’s a standout player for them, there’s no doubt about it. He’s a very important piece of the puzzle for Eddie Howe as well.
“A player that can open up a door. He can pull something out of nothing and he’s very exciting to watch.
“At the same time, if I was him, I’d want to be part of what’s being rebuilt there. I think playing with better players – they’re going to go out and get better players as well – might add value to him.
“It might better his performances, it might better his assists and goal ratio as well. That makes him more valuable in the long run.”
In other news, Newcastle United in race to sign recently-relegated star.