Newcastle's Allan Saint-Maximin claims the club's Saudi takeover increases his chances of staying at St James' Park for 'longer'... but admits'we will see what is to happen' at the end of the season as he wants to win the BALLON D'OR in his career

Allan Saint-Maximin believes Newcastle’s takeover means he is likely to stay at the club for ‘longer’ – and has revealed a life-long ambition to win the Ballon D’Or. 

The Magpies were the subject of a £305million takeover from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund which made them the richest club in world football – but are currently facing a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Saint-Maximin was arguably Newcastle’s best player before the takeover was completed and while he cannot fully commit to the club long-term, he feels Newcastle can help him complete his career ambitions now.  

Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin admits he wants to win the Ballon D’Or in his career

Saint-Maximin (right) has been one of Newcastle’s stars even before their Saudi takeover

The Frenchman told The Times: ‘I really, really love the club and I really love the supporters for everything they give to me, but you always have to make a choice about your dream and what you want to achieve.

‘If I can achieve my dream and my goal in Newcastle, I will stay for sure, but if I cannot, you need to think too about yourself, so we will see after this season what is to happen.

‘I want to achieve so many things. I want to play for the (French) national team, that is really important for me, to play in the World Cup. I want to play in the Champions League. I have a lot of dreams, to win the Ballon d’Or. 

‘Some people say to me, “Put your ambition really high and even if you don’t get there you find some good things.” That is the way I think at this time.

Saint-Maximin admits the club’s new takeover increases his chances of staying for ‘longer’

‘For sure, the takeover increases the chance I will stay longer. It’s nothing about money, really. Newcastle had money, even before the takeover, to bring good players but it’s about a long-term vision. This can make a huge, huge difference.’

The 24-year-old moved to St James’ Park at the start of the 2019-20 season and has made 26 goal contributions in 79 matches since then, including 12 goals. 

Saint-Maximin is Newcastle’s second-highest goalscorer this season with five goals in 23 matches, one behind Magpies No 9 Callum Wilson who is out with a long-term Achilles problem. 

Newcastle have already shown some financial muscle in this market by signing England international defender Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12million, while they also activated the £25m release clause of Burnley striker Chris Wood. 

The Frenchman (right) is the second-top goalscorer in Eddie Howe’s squad with five goals

The Magpies are also close to signing Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for £40million, while they are also targeting Brighton defender Dan Burn, who they regard as one of two potential centre-back signings. 

Eddie Howe’s side are 18th in the Premier League table, one point behind Norwich City in the final safety spot, though the Magpies do have a game in hand over the Canaries. 

Newcastle’s next game after the winter break sees them host relegation rivals Everton, who lie four points ahead them.