A former Newcastle United winger has secured a move to MLS club Charlotte FC.
Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has signed a three-year ‘designated player contract’ with MLS outfit Charlotte FC - and he could meet a former Magpies team-mate on his debut for his new club.
The French winger became a firm fans’ favourite during his four-year stay at St James Park after joining Newcastle from Ligue 1 club Nice during summer of 2019. Saint-Maximin provided some hope for the Tyneside faithful during a difficult spell at the club as former owner Mike Ashley looked to finalise a deal to sell the Magpies to a PIF-led consortium and his final managerial appointment, Steve Bruce, struggled to make a positive impact in the dugout.
Allan Saint-Maximinplaceholder image
Allan Saint-Maximin | Getty Images
In total, Saint-Maximin scored 13 goals and provided 21 assists in 124 appearances under Bruce and current manager Eddie Howe - but departed to join Saudi club Al-Ahli during the summer of 2023 after helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League. Since then, Saint-Maximin has played for Club America, Fenerbahce and Lens and helped the latter lift the Coupe de France for the first time in their history last season.
However, he became a free agent this summer and after several weeks of speculation suggesting he could make a move to the MLS, the winger has now joined Charlotte FC - and his debut could come against Miguel Almiron’s Atlanta United on Thursday week.
Speaking after completing the deal to sign the former Magpies star, Charlotte FC general manager, Zoran Krneta, told the club website: “Maxi is an elite attacking talent who has consistently performed at the highest levels of our sport, including in the Premier League. We’re delighted to bring a player of his quality to Charlotte while he is in the prime of his career. His creativity, speed, technical ability and flair make him immediately one of the most exciting players in Major League Soccer. Adding a player with his pedigree, experience, and winning mentality will bolster our attacking options and strengthen the team overall. We are excited to welcome he and his family to Charlotte.”
Continue Reading