Allan Saint-Maximin confirms Newcastle exit ahead of expected Saudi Arabia move
Allan Saint-Maximin has confirmed he is to leave Newcastle this summer. The French winger has been heavily linked with a £30million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. The 26-year-old has sat out much of the Magpies’ pre-season programme and has now posted a farewell message on his Instagram account. In it he professes his love for the club and reflects on their journey from relegation strugglers to last season’s impressive fourth-placed Premier League finish. He wrote: “I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me. “Of course during those dark days some may have had their doubts, but I always believed in this club and look where we are today, it’s just so beautiful. I’m leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that’s my greatest trophy because I was a part of it.” Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle from Nice in a £16million deal in 2019. He has made 124 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals. A switch to Saudi Arabia would see him join a growing list of high-profile players to have moved to the Middle East country. Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy have already signed for Al-Ahli, while Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson and N’Golo Kante have also joined Pro League clubs this summer. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-07-29 18:17
Chelsea dismiss Romelu Lukaku loan enquiry from Juventus
Chelsea have rejected Juventus' enquiry about a possible loan deal for striker Romelu Lukaku.
2023-07-29 17:54
Ilestedt scores twice as Sweden beats Italy 5-0 to reach knockout rounds at Women's World Cup.
After leaving it to the last minute against South Africa, Sweden left nothing to chance in a 5-0 win over Italy which sealed its place in the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup
2023-07-29 17:53
Factbox-Who is Niger's new leader, Abdourahamane Tiani?
NIAMEY General Abdourahamane Tiani, the commander of Niger's presidential guard, was appointed head of state on Friday by
2023-07-29 17:50
F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE: Sprint shootout updates and qualifying times at Spa-Francorchamps
Max Verstappen took pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix despite an X-rated radio row with his race engineer. Verstappen was embroiled in a squabble with Gianpiero Lambiase after he only just made it through to Q3 during a wet-dry session at Spa-Francorchamps. But the championship leader regained his composure at the business end of qualifying to demolish the opposition, finishing eight tenths clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with Sergio Perez third in the other Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth. However, Verstappen will only start Sunday’s race from sixth position as he serves a five-place grid drop for exceeding his gearbox allocation. Follow live updates from the Belgian Grand Prix with The Independent Read More Carlos Sainz interview: ‘All of us at Ferrari expected more – we haven’t done the best job’ Daniel Ricciardo is back - and this time he wants to go out on top Max Verstappen receives penalty for Belgian Grand Prix
2023-07-29 17:46
Nashville SC confirm signing of Sam Surridge from Nottingham Forest
Nashville SC have confirmed the signing of forward Sam Surridge from Nottingham Forest.
2023-07-29 17:45
Barbie is a hit and all kinds of business are hopping on the bandwagon
For marketers, Barbie has turned into a massive opportunity: A rosy, fizzy way to get new customers and stay culturally relevant. That's always a good opportunity, but especially now, when even seemingly benign marketing campaigns can be controversial.
2023-07-29 17:23
Vinicius Junior heaps praise on 'idol' Cristiano Ronaldo
Vinicius Junior explains why he idolises Cristiano Ronaldo after taking his Real Madrid shirt number.
2023-07-29 17:23
Why did Courtney Stodden and Chris Sheng split? Couple allegedly called off engagement 6 months ago
Insiders alleged Courtney Stodden and Chris Sheng are no longer in contact with each other
2023-07-29 17:20
Cruz Azul vs. Atlanta United - Leagues Cup preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
Cruz Azul and Atlanta United meet in a decisive Leagues Cup game - here's everything you need to know ahead of their clash.
2023-07-29 17:17
Joe Rogan and Stephen C Meyer explore how modern science corresponds to biblical teachings on 'JRE' podcast: 'Weird existential questions'
Stephen C Meyer said, 'I started having weird existential questions when I was 14 years old after I’d broken my leg in a skiing accident'
2023-07-29 17:16
Louise Quinn keen for Republic of Ireland to end World Cup on a high
Republic of Ireland defender Louise Quinn is determined to exit the World Cup on a high. The Irish cannot make the knockout stages after defeats to Australia and Canada but still have one group game remaining against Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday. Yet the African side are well on course for the last 16 after their stunning triumph over hosts Australia last time out and Quinn recognises her team have their work cut out. The 33-year-old told Sky Sports: “How they’re even ranked the fourth seed in the group I don’t know, because they are an excellent, excellent team. “We knew that we wanted to be able to come into this game, in terms of progressing through the group, to really have something to play for but, for us, there’s still so much that we want to achieve and that we want to do. “We want to still make the history of getting points, really mixing up this group for us. We’re still fully concentrated on that. “But they’ve been excellent, they’ve proved it in their two games. We have our work cut out with them. “But, at the same time, we’ve shown against the two top sides in this group as well, Australia and Canada, that they’re going to have to beware of us in a lot of ways.” Nigeria go into the game as leaders of Group B, ahead of Canada on goals scored. Australia, who face Canada, are a point behind with the Irish still to register. Ireland have no fresh fitness concerns and are hopeful Heather Payne will be able to return after missing the Canada game with a hamstring problem. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-07-29 16:54
