Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Fabrizio Romano provides telling update on Newcastle winger move involving Euro giant

Matt Ritchie, Allan Saint-Maximin, Emil Krafth, Newcastle celeb during Premier League clash v Manchester City

The intentions of Newcastle United regarding an Allan Saint-Maximin exit amid shock links with a switch to AC Milan have been divulged by Fabrizio Romano.

The 25-year-old has previously been one of the Magpies’ most important players, but has mainly been deployed in cameos off the bench when fit this season.

Regardless, it always seemed unlikely Eddie Howe would allow the exciting attacker to leave in January, especially considering he has the ability to be one of Newcastle’s best on his day.

Now, according to Fabrizio RomanoHowe had no intention of allowing the Frenchman to leave last month, despite links to the Rossoneri.

Writing for Caught Offside, he said: “Newcastle were never really open to letting Allan Saint-Maximin leave, so it wasn’t close with AC Milan.

“I’m aware his agent has spoken about Milan’s interest, but it wasn’t advanced. In the summer we will see.

“I’d be lying to mention any guaranteed transfer news now for the summer because many things will change for every club in the next few months.”

Saint-Maximin can define Newcastle season

Despite featuring infrequently for Newcastle this season, Saint-Maximin can still offer plenty to his team as we enter the second half of the campaign.

Since joining the Magpies in 2019, he has been one of the few positives for the St. James’ Park faithful as he battled through tough times during the Mike Ashley era.

Overall, in 130 appearances for Newcastle, Saint-Maximin has scored 13 goals and provided 19 assists, giving him an average of 0.25 goal contributions per game.

While this may not sound too impressive, you have to remember that Newcastle were in a real mess when he arrived. In his first two seasons he played his football under Steve Bruce in a team bereft of creativity.

However, the Frenchman added that in abundance, with the tricky winger characterised by his direct, pacey and skilful style. Those methods can infuriate at times, but every now and again, he is unplayable on his day.

Consistency has always been what Saint-Maximin needs to add to his game, so perhaps a stint on the sidelines will be a positive for him, giving him the chance to refresh and put in some hard work on the training ground.

One thing that could prevent him from breaking into Howe’s starting XI again though, is the arrival of Anthony Gordon from Everton, who Newcastle paid £40m for (£45m with add-ons). 

The Magpies next game is against West Ham on Saturday, so it will be interesting to see if the English manager gives him a chance to show his quality once again.

READ MORE: Venomous attack on ‘Everton boy’ Anthony Gordon for ‘forcing’ Newcastle move, as second pundit tells him to ‘do one’