A former Newcastle United winger is reportedly close to joining MLS side Charlotte FC.

Former Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin has confirmed his departure from Ligue 1 club Lens amid reports he has agreed a deal to move to the MLS.

The 29-year-old winger became a cult hero during a four-year stay at St James Park as he scored 13 goals and provided 21 assists in 124 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies. Saint-Maximin departed to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli during the summer of 2023, just weeks after Eddie Howe’s side had secured a place in the Champions League - and he has since spent time with Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Mexican side Club America.

Saint-Maximin returned to France for the first time since 2019 in February this year when he penned a short-term deal at Lens and he impressed with four goals and three assists in 13 appearances. However, his greatest achievement came with being part of the side that lifted the Coupe de France for the first time in the club’s history with a 3-1 win against Saint-Maximin’s former club Nice last month.

That will now go down as the final game of the winger’s time with Lens as he confirmed his departure in an emotional social media post. The former Magpies star said: “It's already time to say goodbye, friends from Lens. It wasn't an easy decision to make, because I really had a good time at Lens. Six months is short, and yet I had the honour with this team to participate in the writing of the club's history by bringing the first Coupe de France back to Lens. Jean-Louis, thank you for everything. Not only for allowing me to live this opportunity, but also for having you as a friend. As you know, you have a special place in my heart.

“Coach, it is also for you that I have come. Thank you for your trust. You have been one of the best coaches I have had in my entire career. I hope we'll meet again one day! To my teammates, one of the most beautiful locker rooms of my career, I will miss you badly! You can't imagine how much. And of course, thank you to you, the people of Lens! This public, this fervour, these evenings at Bollaert, I felt real emotions there! This simplicity, this pure kindness that I found here, I will never forget it! I hope to have the opportunity to see you again very soon”.

Negotiations

Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

French news outlet L’Equipe have now reported Saint-Maximin is in negotiations with MLS side Charlotte FC and is close to agreeing a deal that will see him replace Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha as a ‘designated player’ at the Bank of America Stadium. The report states an announcement over Saint-Maximin’s move is now ‘imminent’ as the winger looks set to join the likes of former Fulham stalwart Tim Ream, two-time Scottish Premiership winner Liel Abada and former Burnley captain Ashley Westwood at the MLS side.

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