Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists Allan Saint-Maximin’s £30million Saudi move is ‘above board’

EDDIE HOWE is adamant that Allan Saint-Maximin’s proposed £30million move to Saudi Arabia is “above board”.

Several Premier League clubs are ready to raise concerns about the French winger’s move to Al-Ahli given the deal is between two teams under the same majority ownership – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). 

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Saint-Maximin is on the verge of joining Saudi side Al Ahli for £30million after four years at Newcastle[/caption]

But while they will raise questions over whether it is an inflated fee, Magpies manager Howe insists it represents his true worth.  

He said: “I’m sure it will satisfy the Premier League. 

“We will be governed by the same rules as every club and I am sure we will fit every criteria to ensure any deal is above board.

“It will be no different to any other club selling a player that they have. We have a value on his head and that value was met.”

Speaking earlier on Saturday, Prem chief Richard Masters said: “We have very strong and clear transaction rules which dictate that anything that is inter-company is expressed at fair market value. 

“Very clear rules are in place – whether it be sponsorship or a player transfer. These are new rules that were brought in in 2021 and we believe they are doing their job.”

Saint-Maximin, 26, joined Newcastle from Nice for £20m in 2019 but has scored just 12 goals across four Prem seasons. 

He will be replaced by Leicester’s Harvey Barnes, who is set to join for £38m. 

While the club are yet to confirm the transfer, Howe said he is hopeful that Barnes will join up with Toon’s squad in the USA next week. 

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