Allan Saint-Maximin has officially completed his move from Premier League club, Newcastle United to Saudi club, Al-Ahli.
26-year-old Allan Saint-Maximin who joined the Magpies from Nice in 2019 and scored 12 Premier League goals in 111 games, signed a four-year deal with Al-Ahli.
Al-Ahli is managed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) which also owns Newcastle.
Saint-Maximin will team up with former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, ex-Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez and former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy at Al-Ahli as the influx of top names to Saudi Arabia shows no sign of abating.
Announcing his exit from Newcastle, the French footballer had written;
“Four years ago, I wore the Newcastle jersey for the first time. At that moment, I hadn’t realised that not only was I about to become a Newcastle player, but I was also about to become a Geordie.
“You might think ‘nice goodbye message’ but the sentiment runs deeper than any words I could say, from the very first months that I met the people of this city, I truly understood them and embraced their unwavering passion, which is why it was so important for me to give my all and if this meant to play injured or even not making statistics, I didn’t give a sh** as long as it would help my team.
“Believe me, I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me.
“Of course during those dark days some may have had their doubts, but I always believed in this club and look where we are today, it’s just so beautiful. I’m leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that’s my greatest trophy because I was a part of it.
“A deep thank you to ALL of you, my teammates, the loyal fans, the staff, the Club, etc. I’ve seen all your messages, thank you and even though this chapter has ended, the story never stops.
“Newcastle is home now, I’ll continue to be your biggest supporter, I’ll watch every game and as long as the club keeps winning I’ll be the happiest man in the world… and for sure you will see me again.
“I love you, I love you sincerely, I love you like a Geordie brother. Once a Geordie, always a Geordie.”
Reports have claimed rival Premier League clubs are concerned that Saint-Maximin’s transfer fee, which has not been disclosed, could be inflated in order to help Newcastle comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
But manager Howe has said the transfer to Saudi “will satisfy the Premier League”, while the league’s chief executive Richard Masters insists its rules are “robust”.
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