Allan Saint-Maximin leaves Newcastle United to join Al-Ahli

Saint-Maximin has joined Saudi Arabian Pro League side Al-Ahli for a fee of around £30m, bringing an end to his four-year stay at St James' Park.

Maxi, it's been a pleasure.

Once a Geordie, always a Geordie. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/rLCMbBOg54

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 30, 2023

The 26-year-old joined the Magpies from Nice in 2019 and went on to make 124 senior appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals and claiming 21 assists.

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Last season, he made 25 league appearances as Newcastle finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League, as well as making six outings in the Carabao Cup as the club reached the final.

A Newcastle statement said: "Everyone at Newcastle United thanks Allan for his contribution to the club and community and extends best wishes for the next chapter in his career."

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Speaking when news of Saint-Maximin's proposed move to the Middle East first broke earlier this month, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: "You can’t replace Allan with a similar type of player. You can’t do that because there’s no one like him out there.

"People talk about how industrious he is, but in his way, Allan is really committed to what we want him to do.

"Last season was difficult for him because he picked up a couple of injuries, so I don’t think we saw the very best of him. Maybe the Manchester City game showed what Maxi could be for us on a regular basis. But no one’s doubting his talent.

"Allan is a unique player. I’m sure I’ll never coach someone like him again. He can do things that no one else can do."