Club América surprised the world by announcing the signing of Allan Saint-Maximin. The 28-year-old French winger, who shone in the ranks of Newcastle, arrives in Mexico after an unsuccessful spell at Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli and Fenerbahce.
It may sound like a joke or a social media hoax, but it's not. Allan Saint-Maximin, former Newcastle footballer, will play in Liga MX after being announced as America's new signing. A real bombshell in the transfer market that has shaken up the Central American country.
"Hello everyone. Maxi here. I've seen a lot of messages and rumours about my arrival, but after these weeks of waiting, the time has come: I am an 'Aguila'. I think we have the best team in the league, the best teammates and, above all, the best fans," said the footballer on the 'Azulcrema' club's social media after his signing was announced.
Allan Saint-Maximin arrives at America on loan from Al-Ahli and has signed until 30th June 2029. After four brilliant years at Newcastle in England, the Frenchman was seduced by the lure of Saudi money, but his spell in Arabia could not have been more fruitless.
Although he played 2,430 minutes in his first season, scoring four goals and providing nine assists, he was then loaned to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, where he was involved in several off-field controversies, had heated exchanges with the coach and recently claimed that attempts were made to drug him in Turkey.
This summer, he returned to Al-Ahli and played in a few friendlies, although he finally put an end to his Arab journey to move to Mexico. According to 'ESPN', the deal is valued at around 12 million euros. ASM is following in the footsteps of Gignac, Thauvin, and former American Jeremy Menez in search of the football he once displayed.