The Allan Saint-Maximin transfer to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia is edging close after the Saudi club agreed a fee with Newcastle United for the French winger. Saint-Maximin fell down the pecking order at Newcastle last season and he now looks set to depart the club after four years at St James' Park.
The reported fee that has been agreed between Al-Ahli and Newcastle United is €35m. This new figure comes after Newcastle originally rejected a bid of €25m for their winger. Saint-Maximin will now travel to Saudi Arabia in the next couple of days to sign on the dotted line at Al-Ahli before undertaking a medical at his new club.
Saint-Maximin is the latest in the long line of players who have made the jump to the Saudi Pro League this summer, and Al-Ahli have been one of the busiest clubs in recent weeks. After securing the services of Édouard Mendy from Chelsea and Roberto Firmino on a free transfer at the beginning of the summer, Al-Ahli have focused their attention on two Premier League wingers in recent times.
A couple of days ago, they agreed a fee with Manchester City for the signing of Riyad Mahrez and now, they have agreed a fee with Newcastle United for the signing of Saint-Maximin. With Mahrez and Saint-Maximin on either wing, Al-Ahli will have one of the most fearsome attacks in the division, something they will relish having considering they have only just been promoted to the nation's top league.
Al Ahli have booked medical tests for Allan Saint-Maximin — as deal will be completed after Mahrez. 🚨🟢🇸🇦
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2023
How much will Saint-Maximin earn in Saudi Arabia?
Although much hasn't been reported on the final salary agreement between Saint-Maximin and Al-Ahli, there are rumours that the Frenchman will quadruple his wages in Saudi Arabia. However, when compared to other players who have taken the plunge, this isn't going to be a monster contract.
The 26-year-old penned a six-year deal with Newcastle United back in 2020 and that contract was said to be worth around £38,000 per week. That means that he could be looking at a deal worth around £150,00 per week at Al-Ahli. While this is a very healthy contract, it is dwarfed by the one the same club have given Riyad Mahrez which is said to be worth around £850,00 per week.
With a decent chunk of money cleared off their wage bill, Newcastle haven't wasted any time in bringing in a replacement in for Saint-Maximin, either. The North-East club have agreed a £38m deal with Leicester City for Harvey Barnes and the 25-year-old will join the club in the coming days.
