Deal in principle struck between Newcastle & Al-Ahli for Allan Saint-Maximin

As reported earlier on Tuesday, 26-year-old French winger Allan Saint-Maximin is nearing a move to Saudi 1st division side Al-Ahli.

An offer of €25m was submitted by the Middle Eastern outfit, who, like the player’s current club, Newcastle United, are funded by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

RMC Sport now affirm that Newcastle and Al-Ahli have found an agreement in principle over a €25m + bonuses deal to transfer the player. Saint-Maximin, who is being offered more than €12m a year in salary in order to make the move, must now decide whether or not to accept a set of personal terms from Al-Ahli. As of Tuesday night, he was trending towards doing so.

This is despite the fact that Serie A champions Napoli have made a serious effort to sign the player. On Tuesday, they were seeking to schedule a meeting with Saint-Maximin’s representatives, who so far do not appear to be entertaining this interest. Napoli, who recently hired French coach Rudi Garcia, were desperate to put together a Saint-Maximin, Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia attack for 2023/24. As it stands, talks with Napoli won’t progress.

That is because the player is increasingly convinced by the Al-Ahli project, which would see him join Édouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino. They also hope to sign Riyad Mahrez. 

Saint-Maximin, who could play Champions’ League football with either Napoli or Newcastle next season, is set to do neither.

GFFN | James Thorpe