Kieran Maguire reveals what he really thinks about Saint-Maximin’s move from Newcastle United to PiF club
Allan Saint-Maximin’s transfer from Newcastle United to a PIF-owned club is no different to transfers within multi-club organisations.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the controversy around Saint-Maximin’s move.
Football Insider reports that the French winger is on the brink of a £23million move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Alhi – who are owned by PIF.
The deal has caused controversy in the Premier League, with The Athletic reporting that top-flight clubs have raised concerns over both clubs being owned by the same party.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters has responded to complaints by stating that the rules are ‘robust’ enough to deal with inter-company transactions.
“Our rules are robust. They are relatively new but they should be able to cope with that particular transaction,” Masters said.
Maguire believes Newcastle will tread carefully when completing the deal as they are aware of the scrutiny they are under.
“There is always going to be a lot of scrutiny when it comes to Newcastle and any transactions that involve institutions from Saudi Arabia,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“This will be seen by critics as a related-party transaction if Saint-Maximin goes to another club controlled by PIF.
“However, we already have mutli-club ownership models in existence with regards to many owners.
“You only have to look at the number of transactions between Watford and Udinese to see evidence of that.
“Sometimes it’s easier to negotiate with a friendly party in terms of agreeing a price than one who is trying to extract the maximum value or pay a minimum amount.
“Newcastle will be dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s in regards to the deal as they will be aware that they are under scrutiny from the Premier League and rival clubs.“
In other news, Newcastle United on track to land £6m windfall