Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe agree deal to sign Ex-Newcastle star Saint-Maximin on loan from Al Ahli
Fenerbahçe have agreed a loan deal for former Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin from Al Ahli, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The arrangement includes a reduced salary for the French winger, with a verbal agreement already in place pending contract checks.
José Mourinho, who joined Fenerbahçe last month, has been instrumental in convincing Saint-Maximin to join the Turkish club.
Mourinho aims to bolster his squad as he seeks to challenge Galatasaray for the Super Lig title.
Despite a quiet transfer window so far, Fenerbahçe have made key signings, including Rade Krunic from AC Milan and defender Levent Mercan on a free transfer.
![UCL: Gyokeres told he was 'barely visible' during Sporting vs Arsenal clash Viktor Gyokeres endured a frustrating return to Lisbon as Arsenal squeezed out a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, with the striker coming under heavy criticism from the Portuguese media. The Swedish forward, who previously starred for Sporting, was largely ineffective throughout the encounter at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. Despite a strong reception from home supporters, his performance failed to match expectations. Local outlet A Bola summed up his performance bluntly, stating: “The striker celebrates with a mask, [but] seemed masked: he was barely visible.” Other publications echoed similar sentiments, with O Jogo noting that Sporting “stifled” their former talisman, while Público described him as “largely absent from the game.” Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances during his time in Portugal, managed just 17 touches and struggled to impose himself against a defence that appeared well-drilled in neutralising his strengths. Numbers speak to a difficult outing Statistically, his performance showed lack of impact. His only notable involvement came in the build-up to a disallowed goal for Martin Zubimendi, where he was flagged offside. A late effort on goal, comfortably handled by Rui Silva, summed up an underwhelming night for the forward, who was unable to replicate his usual clinical edge that led Arsenal to invest heavily in his signing. Substitutes changed the game With Gyokeres struggling to influence play, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta turned to his bench for inspiration. The introduction of Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz proved decisive. Havertz eventually delivered the breakthrough with a stoppage-time winner, sealing a narrow advantage for the Premier League side ahead of the second leg in London.](https://www.gistreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/InShot_20260408_124324008-220x124.jpg)
Caglar Soyuncu also joined permanently from Atletico Madrid.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reports that Saint-Maximin, who recently completed his first season with Al Ahli, is keen to make the move.
The winger contributed four goals and ten assists in 31 appearances for the Saudi Pro League side, helping them secure a third-place finish and qualification for the AFC Champions League.
Al Ahli had signed Saint-Maximin for around £22 million last year.
While Fenerbahçe’s record buy is significantly lower, the Turkish club is close to finalizing the deal.