Eddie Howe gives emotional reaction to Allan Saint-Maximin’s imminent transfer

18 July 2023 , 21:59

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Eddie Howe will be sad to see Allan Saint-Maximin go (Image: Serena Taylor/Getty Images)

Allan Saint-Maximin is on his way out of Newcastle after Eddie Howe admitted he has to sell before he can buy.

The Newcastle boss has confirmed the French winger is “in discussions with another club”, believed to be Saudi team Al-Ahli. Howe has also admitted he held “emotional” discussions with the fans’ favourite on Tuesday and United are trying to cash in for £30million.

Newcastle have had their spending so far this summer restricted because of Financial Fair Play rules. They have spent £55m on Sandro Tonali and are in for Leicester ’s Harvey Barnes, but are not believed to have much scope beyond that to buy.

Howe said after his team beat Rangers 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox on Tuesday night: “Allan is in discussions regarding a move to another club. Nothing is confirmed and nothing is done. It is still early stages [and] that is why he isn’t here today.

“With financial fair play you have to trade, otherwise for us this summer you're stuck and we couldn’t recruit players the other way.

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“Maxi is a top player, we don’t want to lose him, we want to strengthen the group. But sometimes these things happen and we have to accept that and it is early to speak about Maxi in the past tense at Newcastle, but our respect and love for him is the same as the supporters.

“We love him and the supporters love him. Certainly if he does go it will be a difficult moment for all of us.

“There was a lot of emotion between us. I think Allan, we have mutual respect. When a player has done well for me, which he has, you are grateful.

Allan Saint-Maximin is poised to join Al-Ahli (Michael Driver/Getty Images)

“We have had conversations together. I respect him immensely. There has been no issue between us and we have had a really healthy relationship from day one. Sometimes these things have to happen for the club to grow and Allan to experience something different.

“We could make a stance not to sell Maxi, but FFP forces that to a degree. We could be in a position where we couldn’t recruit Sandro or any other player.”

Howe’s squad fly to Atlanta on Wednesday, but Saint-Maximin will remain at home as a deal is negotiated to sell him.

Brazil international Joelinton ’s trip will also be delayed and Howe explained: “There was a late complication. Joe had to go to London today and we hope he can join us in America, within a couple of days.”

Simon Bird