New medical booked as Newcastle United settle on £26m transfer fee

Allan Saint-Maximin is a step closer to bidding an emotional farewell to Newcastle United.

The Frenchman’s exit has been on the cards since the start of the week after holding talks with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. Saint-Maximin missed the Magpies’ 2-1 win at Rangers on Tuesday and didn’t travel with the squad to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series.

Discussions have progressed quickly with United and Al-Ahli agreeing a transfer worth a reported £26million. And latest reports today, via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, claims the 26-year-old’s medical has been booked.

The imminent sale of Saint-Maximin will go towards funding a move for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes. The one-time England international was on Tyneside on Thursday to visit St James’ Park and undergo his medical at the club’s newly refurbished Benton training ground.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe revealed after Rangers he wanted to keep Saint-Maximin but needed the funds to further strengthen his squad following the £52million arrival of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

“I wouldn’t say it’s forced but Financial Fair Play forces that to a degree,” Howe said. “We could make a stance not to sell Maxi but we’d put ourselves in a position where we wouldn’t be able to sell Sandro or any other player so our hands would have been tied.

“We knew this summer the likelihood is that we would have to trade a player and [Saint-Maximin] leaving is what looks like will happen but until it does we don’t know.”

Saint-Maximin’s impending departure after four years at St James’ Park is tinged with a little sadness. His efforts during the days of battling relegation under Steve Bruce are fondly remembered but his importance since Howe’s arrival in November 2021 has gradually wavered.