Newcastle United could sell Allan Saint-Maximin in cut-price deal after what pundit has seen
Newcastle United will struggle to sell Allan Saint-Maximin if Eddie Howe deems him surplus to requirements.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Frenchman’s future.
Saint-Maximin is under contract at Newcastle until the summer of 2026 after signing a long-term deal under Steve Bruce in October 2020.
The 25-year-old has only started four Premier League games this season due to various muscle injuries.
In his last three league outings he has only managed to play 33 minutes as, even when fit, Howe has preferred to start Miguel Almiron, Joelinton or Jacob Murphy out wide.
McManus insists the length of Saint-Maximin’s contract will make it difficult for Newcastle to find a buyer.
“I think the issue is no one will pay what Newcastle value Saint-Maximin at,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“He’s under contract for a long time. He’s also been injured and Newcastle haven’t really missed him. I think he’s scored once this season.
“He looks good and sometimes he’s unbelievable, against Man City earlier this season he was the best player on the park.
“But he hasn’t performed like that since, he does it once or twice a season and that’s not good enough. Eddie Howe needs consistent performers, players like Almiron.
“He is doing everything Saint-Maximin is not. Goals, assists, top performances every time he steps on the pitch. He tracks back as well which Saint-Maximin simply doesn’t do.
“I just don’t see how Newcastle get rid of him unless he goes for well below his value.”
Saint-Maximin has scored one goal and registered three assists in the league this season.
Last term he scored and assisted five goals in 37 total outings.
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