According to a recent report from Daily Mail, Wolves are showing interest in Newcastle United’s winger Allan Saint-Maximin. It is believed that Wolves are preparing for bids for their winger Adama Traore in the summer with clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid showing an interest. Saint-Maximin is being eyed as a replacement for him.
The report adds that Newcastle United would be reluctant to sell, but Wolves are willing to back Nuno Santo in this transfer. Saint-Maximin has been a big hit at the St. James’ Park after his arrival in the summer from Ligue 1 outfit Nice.
In terms of tangible returns, Saint-Maximin has contributed with two goals and two assists in the Premier League so far, but he often looks the most threatening player for the Magpies. He has that explosive speed and ability to go past players which can trouble any defence in the world. It is indeed no surprise that Wolves are looking at him as a replacement for Adama Traore as the Spaniard is in a similar mould to Saint-Maximin.
Why Newcastle United cannot afford to sell him?
However, the Toon cannot allow someone like Saint-Maximin to leave after just one season. Steve Bruce’s men have struggled to score goals freely this season, and if you take out Saint-Maximin from the equation, then things will look even more dire for them. Newcastle often looks toward the winger to provide that moment of spark in the attacking third.
The winger has also emerged as the fan favourite not only because of his on-field performances but also for his social media activities. If the Toon allows him to leave in the summer, then fans will undoubtedly turn on Mike Ashley. Not that they need more reasons to turn on him.
Why Wolves interest is a significant threat?
Wolves are a club on the rise, and they can offer him Europa League football next season. Even Champions League football looks within grasp for Nuno’s men, and that could tilt the balance in their favour. Moreover, given Wolves’ counter-attacking style, Saint-Maximin would be an ideal player for their system. Traore is being valued at £70m, and if that deal goes through to either Barcelona or Real Madrid then the club will have enough cash to lure Saint-Maximin.
Newcastle United needs to do everything within their means to keep hold of the 22-year-old winger. Saint-Maximin is still not a finished product, and with more experience, he could become a world-beater. He still has his contract at the club until 2025, and the Magpies could make a sizeable profit on him after paying £16m for him last summer. If Mike Ashley continues to treat the club as a business entity, then it won’t be surprising to see Saint-Maximin depart. With Newcastle United ownership talk also hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen what the future holds for one of the most crucial players at St. James’ Park right now.
