MY ACCOUNT
Allan Saint-Maximin is arguably one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League, with his magical trickery, dribbling ability and electric speed.
Having featured in all but three of Newcastle’s league games last term, the Magpies will be reluctant to let him leave as they aim to continue their fine form and aim for European football next season.
Tottenham are reportedly keen to bring the Frenchman to North London but it will set them back around £40million to secure his signature.
We take a look at what he will bring to Antonio Conte’s side and whether he is the right signing for them.
French flair
Saint-Maximin has been unplayable at times down the left flank and has provided countless moments of wizardry with the technical ability that he possesses.
Last season, he produced his best Premier League goal contribution return since joining the Magpies in 2019, bagging five goals and five assists, registering twice as many shots on target (26) as he did in 2020-21.
For the £40m price tag that Newcastle have slapped on his services, those figures may not seem tempting enough for Spurs to meet the valuation.
There are question marks surrounding the 25-year-old’s consistency and whether he can make the difference against the top sides.
His manager Eddie Howe spoke in February on how he is inconsistent at times, but has the talent to be better.
The 44-year-old coach said: “He’s got everything I think you’d want in his locker already.
“If he can hit that consistently then what a player he can be. He has the talent to do whatever he wants to do.”
Saint-Maximin’s game is not all about numbers, as he has torn defences apart on numerous occasions and has not directly been involved in a goal, such as his display against Arsenal at the back end of the season.
If the speedster can reach that level of performance consistently, whether he is at Newcastle, Spurs or elsewhere next season, he can create the space for other danger men in the side to hurt the opposition.
Fitting in
A winger will not be Spurs’ priority this transfer window, particularly with January signing Dejan Kulusevski hitting the ground running.
But Steven Bergwijn’s likely departure and an out-of-favour Lucas Moura leaves room for a new signing in Conte’s forward line.
Bergwijn plays on the left and failed to gain much game time, as Heung-Min Son is rightly seen as irreplaceable in that position.
Spurs were interested in signing Wolves’ Adama Traore in January, but Conte reportedly stopped the move and the winger went on loan to Barcelona.
Despite playing on the left, Saint-Maximin covers both flanks however and offers more than Traore, with his close ball control and touch arguably being superior to the Spain international.
The former Nice man has improved every season in a black and white striped shirt, and created seven big chances this campaign — only three less than Golden Boot winner Son.
Saint-Maximin’s ability to drive and take on his opponent at a rapid speed has caught the attention of Spurs’ managing director Fabio Paratici, as these traits suit the profile of player Conte ideally can utilise in his system.
But if the North Londoners are to splash out a hefty fee for a player likely to be heavily rotated at best, they must be sure of what they are banking on.
Shrewd Spurs
If Conte is sure that he can make Saint-Maximin a player that can perform on a consistent basis, there is no reason why he would not be a great signing for Tottenham.
Currently it seems that he will be of more importance to Newcastle as they, like Spurs, are on the rise and want to keep hold of their top performers.
Despite the Lilywhites’ owners guaranteeing a £150m spending budget this summer before player sales, Conte will look at cashing out the majority of it on his defence and perhaps a striker to deputise for Harry Kane when required.
However, squad depth is key in the Italian’s desire for titles — and if Spurs get the reported £25m for the sale of Bergwijn and wrap up their priority signings, Saint-Maximin could well be on his way to North London.
