Allan Saint-Maximin responds to Jose Mourinho’s criticism of his weight as Newcastle’s top-ranked player prepares for a summer transfer.

Allan Saint-Maximin responds to Jose Mourinho’s criticism of his weight as Newcastle’s top-ranked player prepares for a summer transfer. Allan Saint-Maximin has responded to Jose Mourinho’s accusations of being “lazy” and

“overweight” on social media by cryptically criticising the Fenerbahce manager. Following the Frenchman’s unsuccessful January transfer to Napoli and ensuing lack of matches, Saint-Maximin and Mourinho have been exchanging barbs. The 28-year-old winger has only played 122 minutes of football in four matches thus far in 2025 and was

excluded from Fenerbahce’s travelling roster for the Europa League match at Rangers on Thursday evening. Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s head coach, announced that Saint-Maximin would be departing the club in July 2023 to join Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli following a pre-season friendly at Ibrox. Saint Maximin was loaned to Fenerbahce after spending a season in Saudi Arabia.

Saint-Maximin began his tenure in Turkey under Mourinho with a goal and three assists in his first five appearances. However, he has since encountered difficulties and has been actively seeking a transfer to a different Istanbul club during the winter window.His Instagram post read, “It will require more than that to bring me down.” “Truth always prevails over lies; although it necessitates more effort, it ultimately achieves its objective.

” Mourinho did not hesitate to address Saint-Maximin’s remarks during his pre-match press conference, implying that the player is “overweight.” “He is not required to utilise the lift.” Conversely, if a player fails to train well, arrives late, is overweight, and is not prepared to play a match, they must utilise the elevator, as they will soon become fatigued from the stairs. Saint-Maximin returned to social media to share a first-person

perspective of himself on scales, with the weight reading “82.4kg,” in a thinly veiled response to Mourinho’s comments. The image was accompanied by the caption, “Keep working and [zipped mouth emoji].” You all have an extremely crucial game ahead of you. Best of luck. Saint-Maximin continues to be a fan darling on Tyneside two seasons after his £22 million transfer to Al Ahli.

He may once again be in search of a new club this summer when his loan at Fenerbahce expires, despite the fact that his career has not progressed as he would have hoped since departing Newcastle. Newcastle’s official social media platforms extended their warmest birthday wishes to Saint-Maximin, who turned 28 this week. The winger responded to a message wishing him a good birthday by stating, “Black & white 4ever.”

In 2023, Saint-Maximin began the Carabao Cup final for Newcastle and nearly scored in the 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. Newcastle will now return to Wembley on Sunday for another Carabao Cup final, with the goal of surpassing their previous performance against Liverpool, the current holders.