Newcastle hit with Allan Saint-Maximin complaints - Absolutely laughable...

As revealed by The Athletic, a ‘number of Premier League clubs’ have accused Newcastle of using PIF to ‘inflate the fee’ Al-Ahli will pay for Allan Saint-Maximin.

For context, PIF own an 80% stake in Newcastle and recently took over 75% of a host of Saudi Pro League clubs; Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.

The club recently agreed a £30m fee with the Saudi club for the Frenchman, which is isn’t a great deal more than we paid for him four years ago.

However, the clubs in question are complaining to the Premier League regarding the ownership of the two sides and want them to explain the ‘market value’ process.

Considering other clubs have already sold players to Saudi Pro League teams for what many believe to be overly inflated prices (Chelsea being one), it’s actually surprising that the winger didn’t go for more. The complains reek of desperation and bitterness.

If we had sold the 26-year-old for upwards of £60m, I’d understand if questions were asked, but this feels like fair value and Newcastle are ‘comfortable’ with the deal.