Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed that former Newcastle man Hatem Ben Arfa encouraged him to sign for the club.
The Frenchman signed for the Magpies from Nice for around £16.5million this summer, with the exciting winger regarded as one of the most promising young talents in France.
The tricky winger hasn’t yet hit his stride on Tyneside, but it is clear to see how the 22-year old could go on to become a key player for Newcastle, and fans will have their former attacker to thank.
Ben Arfa was beloved on Tyneside before he left under difficult circumstances in 2015, and on his day as a Newcastle player, he was sensational.
Clearly he still holds the club in high regard, despite his exit, as Saint-Maximin has revealed that Ben Arfa’s glowing recommendation convinced him to sign for Steve Bruce’s side.
Talking to the Telegraph, Saint-Maximin said:
I remember Hatem Ben Arfa played here.
He told me to sign. He is a good friend, we grew up in the same area. He had some of his best days at Newcastle and wished he had stayed longer.
I am here for a long time. This is a long-term project, that is why my family have moved with me. This is a big club with lots of history and we want to get back to the level it was at.
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It is nice to see that Ben Arfa still cherishes his time with Newcastle, despite his tenure at St James’ Park having turned sour toward the end.
Saint-Maximin was a marquee signing for the Magpies this summer, and fans will likely be grateful to Ben Arfa that he is able to use his influence to bring top players to the club.
Saint-Maximin promises to be someone worth keeping an eye on as he continues to develop, and if he can become the type of player Ben Arfa was during his prime years with the club, then fans will be excited indeed.
