Allan Saint-Maximin has an uncertain future at Newcastle United amid interest from Aston Villa, but Noel Whelan has urged the Magpies to keep him. He believes Newcastle would struggle to bring in a replacement as effective for the money Saint-Maximin would be sold for.
The Daily Mail said earlier this month that the 25-year-old could be offloaded if his £50m asking price was matched, but Whelan says he’s too important to sell. He told Football Insider: “If Newcastle are going to build something and be successful then they have to keep their better players.
“Saint-Maximin is a pivotal player, for me. He’s exciting, he’s a fan favourite, he can get you off your seat. I don’t think Newcastle have got too many players with that ability.
“I’d be really surprised if that happened. Losing a player like that, you’d have to spend a lot more than £50million to bring in a player better than him.” The uncapped Frenchman joined Newcastle from OGC Nice in 2019 and has gone on to make 85 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals with 14 assists.
Saint-Maximin has contributed eight goals in 27 Premier League games this season, making 115 successful dribbles, creating 40 chances and whipping in 45 crosses. The 25-year-old is a regular under Eddie Howe and a player that fans love, but he might have added competition in 2022/23.
Newcastle have lucrative funds thanks to their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, so they’re expected to strengthen in all areas.
In other news, Noel Whelan says Newcastle should sign Robert Sanchez from Brighton
