- 20 Nov 2024
Allan Saint-Maximin tipped for Tottenham move this summer
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 5 min read
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has had his say about the current situation surrounding Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United.
Rumours have been circulating for a while now around a potential exit from St James’ Park for the tricky winger, and with several clubs reportedly interested, he could be on the move this summer.
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It would likely cost a lot to pry him away from Newcastle, but according to Phillips, Tottenham should be looking at the Frenchman. He told Football Insider: “There would certainly be at least a dozen teams in the Premier League who would take him.
“You could see him going to Tottenham. From their point of view, he’d be a great signing.
“From a Newcastle point of view, you’d be devastated to see him leave. But naturally, when you’re a star, everyone’s looking at you.”
Injury woes and COVID-19 has hampered Saint-Maximin’s season, meaning he’s started just 15 Premier League games in 2020/21, scoring three goals and assisting four.
Despite this, Phillips believes that someone should move in for him now.
“He’s so unpredictable and he’s got great talent,” the former England striker added.
“Even though he had that injury problem, he’s improved as the season’s gone on.
“He’s got that end product as well. He’s turning into a complete player. This kid’s got pace and the ability to drop a shoulder, turn this way and that.”
Is Saint-Maximin the complete player?
Phillips’ claim that the French winger is “turning into a complete player” is certainly bold, especially as Saint-Maximin is still yet to contribute to more than 10 league goals in his entire career.
However, with 5.2 dribbles per 90 this season, it’s clear that he is an expert dribbler, it’s just his end product that needs to improve, something Phillips believes he has already added to his game.
In a Newcastle team without much spark, Saint-Maximin is very much a diamond in the rough, and if he continues to sparkle, it won’t be long before he’s playing in pastures new.
