Newcastle United say goodbye to Allan Saint

Newcastle United sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli after long drawn out talks this week

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Allan Saint-Maximin left Newcastle United with the club's best wishes as he looks to start a new chapter with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

In a statement, Newcastle posted on their website: "Everyone at Newcastle United thanks Allan for his contribution to the club and community and extends best wishes for the next chapter in his career." It ends four emotional years for the French winger on Tyneside but he now starts what is believed to be a £20million move in an exciting competition alongside Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino with Al-Ahli.

Al-Ahli are one of Newcastle's affiliate clubs and can in theory loan him back to St James' Park in a later window. However, the fact that Eddie Howe made it clear that he did not want to sell the exciting French forward, hints that one day he may be looked at as a returning player.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe squad policy pays off for Elliot Anderson but youngster already has own captaincy skills

Speaking about his move to Saudi Arabia, Saint-Maximin said: "I really want to express my gratitude to Al Ahli Football Club who have done so much for me and my family by offering us this opportunity and this really challenging project in a Saudi League that gets more and more competitive."

For now, it at least clears the books for Newcastle regarding FFP and squad space in a week that has resulted in two others leaving in Jamal Lewis and Karl Darlow to Watford and Leeds United respectively.