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Newcastle United have a fanbase to boast about, yet since the departure of Rafa Benitez, the club has seemed to be on a downwards spiral.
In the past year, rumours surrounding the sale of Newcastle United to the Saudi Arabian PIF have livened and died down more times than can be counted, however, last week Mike Ashley’s sale of the club was announced.
Many have since speculated on the signings that the Magpies could make with their newfound riches, whether this be under Steve Bruce or a new manager with a vision to make the Geordies a team to compete with the elites is yet to be seen, but one thing can be guaranteed, the squad needs a major overhaul.
In the past five seasons, Newcastle has a net spend of approximately £125 million, the eighth lowest in the Premier League this season, still a massive figure for a side that really haven’t seen too much quality for their expenditure.
One of the few squad members who can be deemed as quality is Allan Saint-Maximin, the Frenchman who arrived from OGC Nice for a rumoured fee of around £20 million. On and off the pitch, the tricky winger is one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League, from funny tweets to tricky feet, he brings something else to a quite frankly underwhelming Newcastle side.
In football, there will always be rumours of interest from the supposed ‘big six’ within the Premier League regarding inter-league transfers, with Chelsea and Liverpool rumoured to be interested in signing Newcastle’s star man in the summer.
Whilst both could definitely afford the £60 million price tag that the Magpies have the trickster valued at, neither actively tried to tempt Saint-Maximin away from St James’ Park.
It is clear to see when watching Bruce’s side, just what Saint-Maximin can do, an incredible dribbler of the ball and a pivotal part to the majority of Newcastle’s attacking contributions. Whether that means assists or pre-assists, the winger is normally at the heart of their attacks.
Looking deeper at the stats furthers these points, with an average of 4.52 dribbles completed per 90 it puts him in the 99th percentile of forwards, and to put that into perspective, Lionel Messi averages 4.56. To further this, the Frenchman’s creative actions (drawing fouls, key passes or dribbles) equals 3.85 per 90, putting him in the 94th percentile.
In addition to this, Saint-Maximin is currently having his best-ever start to a Premier League season, with two goals and three assists in eight games. The star could be on his way to proving how vital he will be for the side in a key season.
Whilst the winger’s opening to the season has been excellent on a personal note, the Toon have had a disappointing start to the season as they sit 19th in the league. Whilst a win hasn’t come thus far and pressure continues to mount on Steve Bruce, should a new manager come into the club, Saint-Maximin could further improve his game and be the man to reinvigorate the Geordies.
It is almost inevitable that in the next few years Newcastle United will return to the heights that defined the club in the late 1990s under Kevin Keegan. Huge talents like Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Faustino Asprilla and David Ginola made their names for the Geordies and it’s almost impossible to mention these Newcastle legends without mentioning a certain Alan Shearer.
Allan Saint-Maximin really could align himself amongst those select few that are deemed heroes in Newcastle, with his contract running until at least June 2026. The Frenchman could really be the star to not only attract players to the Magpies but could attract trophies, to create a new era for Newcastle United, and ultimately the Premier League.
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