Former United star believes Saint-Maximin’s bond with Bruce will mean he reamins on Tyneside next term
LEE Clark is confident Allan SaintMaximin’s positive relationship with Steve Bruce will see him remain at Newcastle United next season.
Saint-Maximin has undoubtedly been Newcastle’s star player this season and has impressed in his first season in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old’s pace and trickery has given defenders nightmares this term. Of the 12 games Saint-Maximin has missed through injury, Newcastle have just once, and his form, particularly since the season resumed after lockdown, has been very impressive.
Unsurprisingly, his exploits have reportedly caught the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs with the likes of PSG, Napoli, Arsenal and Manchester United among the names linked with the former Nice star.
But Saint-Maximin has spoken about how much he is enjoying his football at Newcastle, given the ‘trust’ Bruce has shown in him.
And former United star, Clark, is confident that will see Saint-Maximin remain on Tyneside for at least another season.
“One player who has thrived since the restart is Allan Saint-Maximin,” Clark told Tribal Football.
“The big worry for Newcastle fans and everyone connected with the club is whether they can keep him beyond this summer. He has been in such outstanding form, the standout player.
“He is somebody who can take the team from defence to attack in a matter of seconds and has such a fantastic balance and ability to go past players at speed as well. He also seems to do a lot of unseen work off the ball which goes down with his manager and his teammates.
“He’s a player that will have fans on the edge of their seats when they return to St. James’ Park. But what happens with a player like that when he stands out is other clubs show an interest, clubs who could potentially be in a better position than Newcastle when the season ends and provide him with European football. It’s going to be imperative that the club can try and hold onto him.
“It looks like he has a really strong relationship with Steve Bruce, so that could be an important part of him staying. He seems to enjoy playing for the club and has a really strong relationship with the supporters.
“Hopefully that is enough for him to stick around next season, where the club can build and show him that they have their own ambitions to try and get higher up the Premier League and to be competing for European places.”
Saint-Maximin has completed 116 dribbles this season, the most by a Frenchman since former Magpies star David Ginola for Tottenham during the 1999/00 campaign.
Clark played alongside Ginola in Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ side and he feels Saint-Maximin can emulate his countryman’s achievements at Newcastle.