Tottenham are not likely to make a move for Allan Saint-Maximin this summer a priority, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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Despite his widespread popularity amongst supporters, Saint-Maximin has been linked with a move away this summer.
After a difficult end to the season in which other players such as Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton emerged into the spotlight, the Frenchman was somewhat surprisingly touted as a target for Tottenham.
As entertaining as the 25-year-old can be on his day, Spurs already boast one of Europe’s most prolific frontlines in Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski. This summer, they have added Ivan Perisic as another option too, making it difficult to see where Saint-Maximin would fit in.
Eddie Howe is believed to value the former Nice winger, although receiving a fee of over £40m could reportedly tempt him into selling.
What did Romano say about Saint-Maximin and Tottenham?
Writing in his column for Caught Offside, noted transfer expert Romano revealed: “So far, Tottenham have other priorities after the Ivan Perisic deal was completed. The club has always monitored Saint-Maximin, but let’s see if they will open negotiations with Newcastle.”
What would Newcastle lose if Saint-Maximin left?
While it’s hard to suggest Saint-Maximin was anywhere near Newcastle’s best player last season, any exit would deprive the team of one of their most potent attacking outlets.
No one contributed to more goals last season (5 goals, 5 assists) and although that probably says more about the quality around him before the January transfer window, Saint-Maximin’s important to the cause cannot be understated.
As per WhoScored data, only the injury-prone Callum Wilson averaged as many shots per game (1.9 to 1.8) and it was just Matt Ritchie – expected to depart – who beat him for key passes over the same period (1.6 to 1.4). Not a single player in the Premier League averaged as many dribbles per game (4.3) either, so it’s clear he can offer something going forward.
Obviously, new players might come in to help on that front but why not see how he develops in a better team? Providing there is no contract dispute (as has been been reported elsewhere) behind the scenes to potentially weaken the club’s position when negotiating other deals, of course.
Howe has coached huge improvements out of Joelinton, Ryan Fraser, Fabian Schar and Joe Willock since his November appointment, so to suggest he cannot work on yielding more from Saint-Maximin seems foolish. A full pre-season together is said be something the Newcastle head coach is looking forward to and, for supporters, that should be exciting.
A major offer may change things but with Newcastle not under any pressure to sell their best players unless they absolutely have to, patience looks to be key when it comes to the Frenchman.
