Everton battle Saudi clubs for €32m electric player who has fallen out of favour at UCL club

Everton manager Sean Dyche wants to remodel the squad this summer and wants to add pace in the attack. EFC have already been linked to Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto as the Italian looks set to leave Elland Road. Now, the Toffees have also been associated with a move for Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin.

Everton’s current options at the flanks consist of Dwight McNeil, Alex Iwobi and Demarai Gray. EFC released Andros Townsed after his two year deal expired last month, leaving Everton with just three wingers. Gray has been linked with Fulham and a move to Saudi Arabia as Al Hilal flew to England to carry out negotiations.

In the event of Gray’s departure, the Toffees will be reduced to just two wingers, leaving Dyche with no squad depth out wide. EFC have already suffered last season without depth in the striker’s position and cannot afford a repeat this time around in the wing department.

Everton interested in Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin

Everton have been linked with Leeds’ trio of Jack Harrison, Crysencio Summerville and Gnonto. The links to Gnonto remain the strongest but at the moment EFC have not made any concrete moves to sign the 19 year old.

According to 90min, Everton are monitoring and checked the situation of Newcastle United’s Saint-Maximin. The 26 year old could leave Newcastle this summer after falling down the pecking order last season. Once a talisman, Saint-Maximin just made 12 Premier League starts in the 2022-23 season.

As the Frenchman became out of favour, he has started considering his options for long term. He has a contract at Newcastle till 2026 but is unlikely to extend his contract. The Toons are open to selling a number of players this summer as they are aware of the Financial Fair Play boundaries and cannot afford to pay high salaries if significant sales are not made.

Everton along with Crystal Palace are Saint-Maximin’s admirers from England. AC Milan and Marseille also like the 26 year old. However, a move to Saudi Arabia is not ruled out either. Saint-Maximin could become the latest target for Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs as a number of players from Europe have already signed for a Saudi club.

Newcastle United’s current owners PIF have majority stakes in Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad and they could perhaps favour a sale to one of the Saudi sides. Although, it remains to be seen if such a sale is conducted within the legalities of the sport.

Saint-Maximin straightaway adds pace and directness to Everton’s attack. He is an electric player who could provide uplift Everton’s quality in the attack but it remains to be seen if EFC have the pulling power to sign the Frenchman.

Should EFC push for Allan Saint-Maximin?