Newcastle United striker Alan Saint-Maximin has claimed he is not producing enough because he doesn’t have the right teammates around him.
The 25-year-old has been the main man at St James’ Park since signing from OGC Nice in 2019. At the time, Newcastle had only fought relegation and had not competed for any titles or even a place in Europe.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman continues his role as a beacon, and he has played a huge role in his sudden rise this season which has seen him transformed into the most brilliant team in Europe’s top five leagues since the start of the year.
Newcastle’s new owners have also tried to convince the player of his value to the club, after reports claimed that a secret meeting between Saint Maximin and one of the owners was about doubling his salary and putting him front and center for Magpies’ new project.
The winger does not lack confidence as evidenced by his recent interview with the French magazine So he presented. When asked to compare himself to some of the best strikers in the league in his position, Sadio Mane in particular, the winger said: “Those who have played with me know very well that in terms of pure quality, I have nothing to envy about Sadio Mane. On the day he is a capable player. On ending chances, I will have seasons with 10-15 assists, and I will change the perception in people’s heads.”
St. Maximin also said that he draws inspiration from the ancient Greek philosophers Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle and that he aims to emulate Michael Jordan, a sports icon associated with the Chicago Bulls’ NBA franchise. The 59-year-old Jordan is generally rated as the best basketball player ever, and Saint-Maximin strives to achieve those heights.
He explained, “My goal is to do things that leave a mark on people’s minds, and to change the rules.
“In a similar way to what Michael Jordan was able to do. He changed people’s lives. Jordan has given people jobs, and that’s beautiful.”
Meanwhile, Hugo Eketek could be on his way to Bayern Munich instead of Newcastle after reports emerged of the Bavarians throwing their hat in the race for the young striker.
Ekitike, 19, nearly joined Magpies in January but some unfinished business led to the deal being scrapped by the Stade de Reims. Newcastle have again made an offer to buy the striker and Ligue 1 appears to be willing to let the deal pass this time around.
However, reports from France claim that Bayern Munich is considering a move for the young striker. Withdrawing Bayern would almost certainly beat Newcastle and the Magpies might have to look elsewhere.
