Saint-Maximin leaves Toon to complete switch to Al-Ahli

Allan Saint-Maximin bid an emotional farewell to Newcastle fans on social media after completing a switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli on a three-year deal.

The Frenchman, who joined the Toon in 2019, has now signed with the side owned by Saudi's Public Investment Fund — who also hold an 80% stake in the Magpies.

During his time on Tyneside, Saint-Maximin gained cult hero status but also found himself plagued by injury issues, scoring 12 goals across his four Premier League campaings.

Saint-Maximin, 26, wrote on Twitter: "Four years ago, I wore the Newcastle jersey for the first time.

"At that moment, I hadn't realised that not only was I about to become a Newcastle player, but I was also about to become a Geordie.

"I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late as I was already in love. 

"I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me.

"I'm leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that's my greatest trophy because I was a part of it.

"I love you, I love you sincerely, I love you like a Geordie brother. Once a Geordie, always a Geordie."

Newcastle also passed on their best wishes to the former Nice winger through a statement on their club website.

It said: "Allan has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for an undisclosed fee, bringing his four-year spell at Newcastle to an end.

"The French forward joined the Magpies from Nice in 2019 and went on to make 124 appearances for the club, scoring on 13 occasions and registering 21 assists.

"The 26-year-old helped United to a 13th-placed finish in his first season in the Premier League, followed by 12th and 11th in the following campaigns.

"Last season, he made 25 league appearances as the Magpies finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League, as well as making six outings in the Carabao Cup as the club reached the final.

"Everyone at Newcastle thanks Allan for his contribution to the club and community and extends best wishes for the next chapter in his career."