Newcastle United fans loved Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman signed for Newcastle United when Steve Bruce was manager, and was the only real beacon of hope during his tenure.
Allan Saint-Maximin became the Magpies’ talisman, while his incredible skill and dribbling ability lit up the Premier League.
It was sad to see him go in 2023, as Newcastle sold Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli for £23million.
Eddie Howe did not want to sell Saint-Maximin, but the deal was enforced for financial reasons. Newcastle needed to sell to buy, with the winger’s Toon exit coinciding with Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento joining the club.
Newcastle transfer target compared to Allan Saint-Maximin
Johan Bakayoko of PSV during the UEFA Champions League match between Brest v PSV at the Stade Brestois on December 10, 2024 in Brest France
Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images
Since Saint-Maximin left St James’ Park, the Magpies have not really had a maverick. But that could change in 2025, as Newcastle target Johan Bakayoko.
Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Paul Mitchell is a fan of the 21-year-old, while Eddie Howe is also keen to sign Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven.
In the eyes of TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle would be getting an evolved version of Saint-Maximin if they bought Bakayoko, as he is similarly exciting in possession but with better end product.
“He’s a player who ticks a lot of boxes analytically, and when you watch him as well,” he told Geordie Boot Boys.
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“I think he suits Newcastle in his style of play. He’s a bit like Allan Saint-Maximin with more end product for me. He’ll get fans off their seats.
“He’s definitely on Newcastle’s list, if they are able to do something in January.”
Johan Bakayoko’s recent record for goals and assists
During his Newcastle United career, Saint-Maximin was sometimes let down by his lack of end product. For all of his good work, it did not always translate to goals and assists. In total, Saint-Maximin got 34 goal contributions in 124 Toon appearances. That is less than one goal contribution every three games.
So far this season, Bakayoko has scored six goals and provided three assists across 21 appearances. He is almost averaging a goal contribution every other game.
The Belgium international’s numbers are similar to last season, with Bakayoko netting 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 48 games. That equates to an average of just over a goal contribution every other game.
The numbers prove how influential Bakayoko is off the right flank, which is exactly what Newcastle United want. Eddie Howe needs someone who can be a difference-maker alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, with current options Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron lacking consistency.
However, it remains to be seen if Toon officials will be able to bring Bakayoko to Tyneside in January. It has been claimed that Bakayoko is interested in the Newcastle project, with a strangely low price tag of £25million floated.
It has been claimed elsewhere that PSV are reluctant to sell Bakayoko in January, while the Magpies also need to take their PSR concerns into consideration.
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