‘Incredible’ - How crucial Newcastle United factor inspired Allan Saint-Maximin to make Champions League switch

Allan Saint-Maximin has admitted wanting to play in front of an “amazing atmosphere” inspired him to join Fenerbahce.

Just one year from his Newcastle United exit, the Frenchman is on the move again. Saint-Maximin has joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.

The 27-year-old becomes the latest high-profile star to ditch the Saudi project - where he is paid £205,000 per week. Moving to Fenerbache will allow Saint-Maximin to test his skills in the Champions League.

He will also be electrifying in front of a raucous crowd once again after a subdued year at Al-Ahli. The Saudi club averaged just 24,370 last season - 12,000 less than Fenerbache - but the veracity of the support pales in comparison.

Turkish fans are renowned for their fervent fan bases and, a year on from leaving Newcastle, Saint-Maximin, who will play under iconic manager Jose Mourinho, cannot wait to experience the atmosphere. He posted on social media: “Fenerbahce, every time I watched this club play, I turned up the volume of the TV to feel the amazing atmosphere created by the fans! 

“Now, I will be able to experience it directly from the field. This incredible opportunity was made possible by the club’s amazing determination to bring me here and the inspiring words of the Special One, who convinced me that Fenerbahce is the right place for me. I’m ready to give my all to honour this trust! 

“You can’t imagine how happy I am to be a Fenerbahce player and with what energy I am coming! I have a burning passion inside me. And I will give everything to make you proud! Yasa Fenerbahce!”