Why a new deal for Allan Saint-Maximin is a step in the right direction by Newcastle

According to BBC Sport, Allan Saint-Maximin has signed a new six-year contract with Newcastle. Manager Steve Bruce was delighted at this. The player expressed his relationship with the manager and supporters was key to committing to this new deal.

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Allan Saint-Maximin, 23, spent his youth career at various clubs such as Verrieres-le-Buisson, US Ris-Orangis, AC Boulogne-Billancourt and then finally settling in at Saint-Etienne.

He spent a few years in the youth teams before being promoted to the senior side in 2013. However, with game time hard to come by, he moved to Monaco. They immediately sent him on loan to Hannover 96. Another loan spell to SC Bastia followed.

Finally, OGC Nice signed him on a permanent deal in 2017. He became an important player for them over the following two seasons, making 74 appearances, scoring 11 and assisting 14 goals (source – Transfermarkt).

Last season, he moved to Newcastle and continued his good form, contributing to 13 goals. He has been a part of the France youth sides but is yet to play a game for the senior team.

A new contract was the correct decision

Ever since Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle, he has been one of their best players. Full of pace, trickery and a legitimate goal threat, he was a joy to watch for the fans and neutrals alike. His contributions were vital to Newcastle’s 13th place finish last season.

Although his previous contract (the one he signed upon joining the club), ran until 2025, the wages did not reflect the level of performances from the player. Now with the new deal, he doubles his £36,000 weekly wages to £72,000 per week and becomes one of the club’s highest earners (source – The Sun).

It would be fair to say that the player rightfully deserves it. Newcastle look half their weight without Saint-Maximin in their line-up. However, with him in the team, they look legitimately threatening and can take on the best of defences in the league.

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It is a step in the right direction from Newcastle to reward the player with a significantly improved contract which secures his future for the time being. The doubling of wages shouldn’t be a huge concern given the forward has continued on his last season’s form. Newcastle will be hoping that he keeps up the good work.