Former England international Darren Bent has insisted that it will be “devastating” for Newcastle if the club allowed Allan Saint-Maximin to leave in the summer amid reported interest, talking to Football Insider.
Mail Online reported over the weekend that Wolves could consider a summer move for Saint-Maximin if they lose Adama Traore in the summer, with the Spaniard said to be attracting interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa forward implored the Magpies to keep the French winger at St James’ Park, claiming that the club cannot afford to lose one of their best players.
He said:
It would be devastating for Newcastle.
I really like the blend of Saint-Maximin and Almiron on the wings because I think they do a lot of unselfish work but also they do a lot of running, bringing the ball up the pitch and really helping them out, getting them up the pitch.
If they lose Saint-Maximin, I don’t know where they go from there, he’s somebody who’s got that little bit of unpredictability about him, he works hard, he can run, he can score.
Read Newcastle Verdict
While Saint-Maximin may have only managed to score just once in the Premier League this season, it is clear to see how Newcastle would suffer from his absence.
With Joelinton, Yoshinori Muto, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll all struggling to score for Newcastle, the Magpies may have to rely on the trickier and technical skill of their wingers, Almiron and Saint-Maximin, to provide a genuine goal threat for the club.
Should Newcastle receive a gigantic offer for the Frenchman, they could be forced to consider it for the financial benefits. However, unless a giant offer is made, Newcastle wouldn’t benefit from letting a player of his calibre go.
