Is benched Allan Saint-Maximin on his way out of Newcastle?

Moreover, with the arrival of Anthony Gordon from Everton, Saint-Maximin appeared to be further marginalised from the team. Consequentially, Saint-Maximin publicly expressed his frustration at being sidelined from the Newcastle starting lineup, resulting in many transfer rumours being circulated regarding potential suitors for the 25-year-old. 

, ex-Newcastle and Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique stated he believed Saint-Maximin was world-class, but could not satisfy the work rate that Howe desires in his players. This article reviews Saint-Maximin's past and present situation at Newcastle United and his future at the club.

Why is Saint-Maximin's future in doubt?

As previously mentioned, reports had been circulating that French winger Allan Saint-Maximin could be on the verge of leaving Newcastle United. There is certainly no dearth of talent in Newcastle's midfield, with Joelinton, Almirón and Bruno Guimarães all contributing massively to an impressive season in 2022/23. However, despite expressing his frustration in the media, Saint-Maximin has enjoyed a run of games in the team, including February's Carabao Cup loss to Manchester United. This has led to a renewed belief amongst many that the Frenchman could be set for a reemergence as a vital contributor. Nevertheless, Saint-Maximin 

, and the aforementioned new signing from Everton Anthony Gordon could be a threat to the Frenchman's role in the future. Moreover, there are repeated rumours linking James Maddison to St James' Park - this potential signing could make competition for a starting place even more competitive for Saint-Maximin. 

How can Saint-Maximin keep his starting place with so much competition?

Saint-Maximin was previously used to being a fan favourite after his signing from Nice in the summer of 2019. He was a regular under Steven Bruce and impressed on the left wing. This year, with Newcastle's outstanding reinvention under new ownership and ex-Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, the Tyneside team is pushing for Champions League qualification for the first time since 2002/03. 

2022/23 started well for Saint-Maximin, with a man-of-the-match performance in a dramatic home draw with Manchester City in August. Furthermore, many “Toon” fans will fondly remember his stunning stoppage-time equaliser at Wolves. However, an injury setback kept Saint-Maximin out of the team with a two-month absence. Jose Enrique believes he has not witnessed Kyle Walker struggle so much against any winger - but that Saint-Maximin may not be happy appearing as a super-sub from the bench. On the contrary, after venting his frustrations at the beginning of the year, Saint-Maximin has reportedly conceded in previous weeks that he is willing to accept being a substitute if it helps the team. If he is to be an important part of Newcastle's new era, the player may need to push himself for consistency and train harder. The Frenchman may indeed have turned a corner, having started many games in February. 

What clubs are interested in signing him if he were to leave Newcastle?

Saint-Maximin has many admirers across Europe, so if he were to leave Newcastle United, there would be no shortage of options. Football transfer rumours have linked the Frenchman with AC Milan and clubs in the Middle East. However, Eddie Howe has repeatedly denied that Saint-Maximin will be sold. Whether this is an attempt to increase his selling value or a genuine desire to keep the player, the recent return to the team for Allan Saint-Maximin may suggest a brighter future for the Frenchman at Newcastle United than initially believed. 

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