After Miguel Almiron, a Paraguayan, was charged with “refusing” to leave Newcastle United in January, Allan Saint-Maximin stood up for him.
When the Magpies got an offer from a Saudi Pro League team, presumably Al-Shabab, before the start of the season, they were ready to sell Almiron. The 30-year-old was ultimately in charge of making the choice, and he chose to stick with it throughout the season.
Last weekend, Newcastle under tremendous pressure to generate money in order to meet the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). However, one fan account oddly placed the blame on Almiron prior to selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, with only hours remaining before the deadline. The aforementioned account chastised Almiron for not emulating Allan Saint-Maximin, who six months prior had left St James’ Park to join Al Ahli. “It’s important to note that #NUFC wouldn’t be in the PSR mess they are in today if Miguel Almiron hadn’t turned down a £25 million move to Saudi Arabia in January,” the X post stated. Let’s assume you might also say that Yankuba Minteh’s rejection of a £40 million move to Lyon last week qualifies. “All I can say is this: never forget the guy who, despite his love for the team and his understanding of what was required for Newcastle United to progress both on and off the field, grudgingly consented to go on. A few of our present roster members ought to be aware of Allan Saint-Maximin’s selflessness. Saint-Maximin responded to the post, which received a lot of backlash from Newcastle supporters, saying, “I know this message is meant to be positive towards me, but every situation is different.” Please be kind and respectful to Miggy; he is a wonderful man who has always given Newcastle his all.