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French winger Allan Saint-Maximin bid farewell to Newcastle United and embarked on a new footballing journey in the Saudi Pro League, signing a three-year contract with Al-Ahli. The move was confirmed by both clubs on Sunday, but the transfer fee remains undisclosed for the 26-year-old, who initially joined Newcastle from Ligue 1 side Nice in 2019.

Joining an Impressive Roster

Al-Ahli, one of Saudi Arabia's prominent football clubs, expressed their delight at acquiring the services of Saint-Maximin on the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "We pick the best, and he's one of them." The talented winger will now be rubbing shoulders with former Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Riyad Mahrez, who have all made their mark in English football before making their way to the Saudi Arabian club.

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The Financial Impetus Behind the Move

Saint-Maximin's departure from Newcastle came as a consequence of the club's need to comply with UEFA's Financial Fair Play Regulations. Consequently, he was left out of Newcastle's pre-season tour of the United States. Manager Eddie Howe revealed that selling a player during the transfer window was necessary to balance the financial books, leading to the winger's move to Al-Ahli.

A Tale of Two Investment Funds

The ownership structure of Al-Ahli and Newcastle adds an interesting dimension to the transfer. The Public Investment Fund, which serves as the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, owns 75% of Al-Ahli, while they have an 80% stake in Newcastle United. This connection between the two clubs brings Saint-Maximin's journey full circle as he now moves from one Saudi-owned club to another.

A Growing Trend in the Middle East

Saint-Maximin's move to the Middle East marks another significant addition to the region's growing list of high-profile football signings. The Saudi Pro League has witnessed stars like Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and Ruben Neves making their way to the region. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to join Al-Nassr in January further exemplified the allure of Middle Eastern football.

As the winger commences his stint with Al-Ahli, fans and football enthusiasts will be keenly observing his performances in a new environment. His flair and skill on the field are expected to add dynamism to Al-Ahli's attacking prowess and contribute to the club's quest for success in domestic and international competitions.