Former Newcastle United French winger Allan Saint-Maximin joins Lens on a free transfer..

2026-02-06 11:05

Lens announced on their official website on Thursday that former Newcastle United French winger Allan Saint-Maximin has joined the club on a free transfer.

According to the Ligue 1 super dark horse's official statement, Saint-Maximin has signed on a short-term contract which will only run until the end of the season with the club. He will also wear the number 9 jersey.

About Allan Saint-Maximin

The 28-year-old Allan Saint-Maximin was born on March 12, 1997, in Châtenay-Malabry, France. He is 1.73 meters tall and primarily plays as a left winger, but can also play as a right winger or center forward. He holds French, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana citizenship.

Saint-Maximin played for the youth academy of non-league club Boulogne-Billancourt in his early years. He joined the Saint-Étienne youth academy in 2011 and completed his Saint-Étienne first-team debut by coming on as a substitute in September 2013.

On the 2015 summer transfer window deadline day, Saint-Maximin moved to Monaco for €5 million, but was immediately loaned-out to Hannover 96 and Bastia.

In August 2017, Saint-Maximin joined Nice for €10 million, officially beginning to make a name for himself in European football for his speed, explosiveness, and dribbling skills.

In August 2019, Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle United for €20 million.

During his four-year spell with the Magpies, Saint-Maximin helped the new Premier League giants reach the Carabao Cup final once.

In July 2023, Saint-Maximin joined Al-Ahli for £23 million.

The following July, Saint-Maximin was loaned-out to Fenerbahçe.

During his time with the club, he helped them reach the Europa League Rounds of 16 and the Turkish Cup Quarter-Finals, but his ownership was not bought out due to disagreements with management.

In August 2025, Saint-Maximin joined Club América for $12 million.

However, due to ongoing racial discrimination against himself, his family, and children, Saint-Maximin resolutely chose to terminate his contract and leave the club on the 2026 winter transfer window deadline day.

During his six-month stint with Club América, Saint-Maximin made 15 appearances for the Liga MX powerhouse in all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists.

Image source: Internet / Lens official website