OPINION
Lee Charnley appears to be on the verge of a transfer masterstroke with OGC Nice forward Allan Saint-Maximin reportedly set to undergo a medical with Newcastle United today [Friday].
According to Nice-Matin journalist William Humberset via his personal Twitter account on Thursday, Nice will receive £18.3million for the 22-year-old’s transfer to St James’ Park, which appears as though will take it’s finishing touches over the coming days once he arrives in the North-East for his medical.
Allan Saint-Maximin passera sa visite médicale demain à Newcastle. L'OGC Nice devrait empocher 20 millions d'euros, dont une partie en cash, pour le transfert de l'ailier de 22 ans dans le nord de l'Angleterre.
— William Humberset (@WHumberset) August 1, 2019
Newcastle have not done a lot of business this summer but they are certainly going for quality rather than quantity in their signings.
Joelinton looks like a solid purchase from Hoffenheim and managing director Charnley appears to have played a blinder with Saint-Maximin’s reportedly imminent arrival.
The Chronicle reported on Thursday that the deal for the Frenchman was in the hands of Charnley, who is a widely-criticised figure among large sections of the Newcastle support.
However credit where it’s due, the Magpies chief’s involvement in the deal appears to have accelerated things and it looks like Steve Bruce should have his second addition to the first-team squad by the end of the week if all goes well.
Saint-Maximin is just the kind of player that Newcastle need after seeing Ayoze Perez leave for Leicester earlier this summer.
The former Saint-Etienne attacker scored six goals and supplied five assists in 34 Ligue 1 appearances last season for Nice, meaning that he was involved in a league goal roughly every three matches.
According to stats by WhoScored, Saint-Maximin averaged 2.2 shots at goal, 4.2 successful dribbles and 1.7 key passes in his league appearances last term for Patrick Vieira’s side.
WhoScored also awarded him with five man of the match awards and say that although his defensive contribution is poor, the Frenchman is a strong dribbler with a good eye for a key pass.
Saint-Maximin and Joelinton could forge a seriously impressive attack force for Newcastle next season if they are both able to ease into life in the Premier League.
Newcastle have not had a lot of luck with their imports from France other the years but based on his performances for Nice last season, Saint-Maximin should be different.
Three of the last five PFA player of the year winners were all snapped up from clubs in France before shining in England’s top-flight.
Who knows where Saint-Maximin’s form will take him in black and white stripes.
