Transfer Talk: Magpies ace Saint-Maximin could fly to Spurs

Allan Saint-Maximin is arguably one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League. 

Due to his magical trickery, dribbling ability and electric speed, the Newcastle star is a sight to behold.

Having featured in all but three of their top-flight games last term, the Magpies will be reluctant to let him leave as they aim to challenge for European qualification next season.

Tottenham are reportedly keen to lure the Frenchman to North London but it will set them back around £40million to secure his signature.

We take a look at what he would bring to Antonio Conte’s side and whether he is the right signing for Spurs.

French flair

Saint-Maximin has been unplayable at times down the left flank and has provided countless moments of wizardry with the technical ability 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, while registering twice as many shots on target (26) as he did in 2020-21.

For the £40m price tag Newcastle have slapped on him, those figures may not seem tempting enough for Spurs to meet the valuation.

There are question marks surrounding the 25-year-old ace's consistency and whether he can make the difference against the top sides.

Toon boss Eddie Howe admits Saint-Maximin can be inconsistent at times but insists he the talent to improve.

Speaking in February, Howe, 44, 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. 

He has torn defences apart on numerous occasions without being directly 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 term, he can create the space for team-mates to hurt the opposition.

Fitting in

A winger will not be Spurs’ priority this summer, 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 instead.

Despite playing on the left, Saint-Maximin covers both flanks 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 shirt and created seven big chances last term — 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.

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 certain 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.

It currently seems 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 budget this summer before player sales, Conte will look at spending the majority 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 silverware.

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.