As the Allan Saint-Maximin transfer to Al-Ahli edges closer, Newcastle United fans have been left to reminisce about the Frenchman's time at St James' Park. For much of his time in the North East, Saint-Maximin was a beacon of hope in an otherwise depressing time to be a Newcastle United supporter. In a side that often lacked any real flair or talent, Saint-Maximin got the Geordie faithful on the edge of their seats on a weekly basis.
Due to financial fair play restrictions, his time at the club is now nearing an end after Newcastle accepted a bid from Al-Ahli for the winger and he will soon put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the move, here is a look back at some of his finest moments in a Newcastle shirt.
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Allan Saint-Maximin best Newcastle moments
A memorable goal against Leeds
Throughout his time at Newcastle United, Saint-Maximin had to battle against claims that he was all style and no substance. He was often criticised for having all of the tricks in the book but critics were after a better end product from the Frenchman. When it all came together, Saint-Maximin looked like one of the best players in the Premier League.
One of his most memorable goals and performances came against Leeds United at the start of the 2021/2022. Saint-Maximin was a menace throughout and he capped off his performance with an equaliser for his side. He picked up the ball just inside the penalty area and despite having Leeds shirts all around him, he danced across to the right-hand side of the box to create an angle before unleashing an effort past Meslier in the Leeds goal.
Stunning volley against Wolves
Arguably the best goal of Saint-Maximin's Newcastle career came last season away at Wolves. Newcastle had put in a shoddy performance, one of their worst of the season, and were lucky to be just one goal behind going into the latter stages of the match. As the clock ran down, it was clear they needed some individual magic to get them back into the game and Saint-Maximin provided them with exactly that.
Newcastle were attacking down the right-hand side when a ball was punted clear by Pedro Neto. The clearance looped in the air and dropped down to Saint-Maximin who was waiting on the edge of the box. Instead of taking a touch or lashing his foot through it, The Frenchman side-footed punched the ball into the right-hand corner of the net with the side of his right boot.
Another look at the sublime volley that earned Saint-Maximin the Budweiser Premier League Goal of the Month ⚽pic.twitter.com/YblbhaWJIF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 16, 2022
Tearing Man City apart
A lot of the most vivid memories of Saint-Maximin are going to involve him making a mockery of defenders with his unique skillset. One of his most explosive performances came last season against Manchester City where he had Kyle Walker and the rest of the Manchester City defence on strings.
Regardless of whether he was going left or right, the City defenders couldn't handle his pace, balance and trickery and he was a big reason why Newcastle took a 3-1 lead in the second half. Although the match finished 3-3, the performance of Saint-Maximin will live long in the memory.
