French winger Allan Saint-Maximin has left Newcastle United and joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli on a three-year deal, both clubs said on Sunday.

“We pick the best, and he’s one of them,” Al Ahli posted on messaging platform X, previously known as Twitter.

The clubs did not disclose the transfer fee for the 26-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Ligue 1 side Nice in 2019.

Saint-Maximin, 26, will team up with former Premier League players Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy and Riyad Mahrez at Al Ahli.

He joins a growing list of high-profile names to move to the Middle East.

Chelsea recruit

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign France defender Axel Disasi from Ligue 1 side Monaco, British media said on Sunday.

The 25-year-old is set to move to Stamford Bridge in a deal reportedly worth £45mn ($49.58mn) and will be another option to cover for the injured Wesley Fofana. Reuters