The response to Allan Saint-Maximin's cryptic statement tells you just how pointed the debate around Newcastle United's number 10 really is. The fans favourite fanned the flames over a potential exit with his Instagram post, admitting he is now facing a 'turning point' in his career following a frustrating season.
Not for the first time, the French forward's future at St James' Park is the subject of intense transfer speculation. But the latest episode is arguably the first time Newcastle have held the power in any discussions, fresh off the back of qualifying for next season's Champions League largely without their former talisman.
The Magpies undoubtedly owe a debt of gratitude to Saint-Maximin, with the forward often serving as the ace in the hole to regularly bail out Steve Bruce's underperforming sides. Without the influence of the now 26-year-old, survival in either of his first two seasons in black-and-white would likely not have been achieved.
Yet Saint-Maximin's status as star of the show has been stripped since the takeover and Eddie Howe's appointment. Newcastle are now blessed with a host of key players such as Sven Botman, Bruno Guimares, Alexander Isak, Kieran Trippier and those like Joelinton who have evolved into leading lights.
READ MORE: Allan Saint-Maximin releases cryptic 'turning point' statement to cast doubt on Newcastle future
If this summer proves to be the end of Saint-Maximin's time on Tyneside, it is a reckoning which has been months in the making. The former Nice star may have started the Carabao Cup final defeat in February, but otherwise cut a peripheral figure in the crucial run-in.
Injuries have played their part in this unfortunate turn of events. It seems so long ago now that Saint-Maximin started the season in sensational fashion, dazzling in the draw with Manchester City before netting one of the goals of the season at Wolves.
Fans in favour of the attacker staying will rightly point to performances such as these as evidence of why he should remain at the club, especially given the added Champions League fixtures next season. Eddie Howe himself admitted Saint-Maximin is a 'unique' talent, labelling him an 'important player' who can pose a devastating threat in transition.
However, the season stats make for disappointing reading for a player who gave Kyle Walker one of his toughest afternoons in August. It is hard to shake the feeling that even after four years, Newcastle are yet to find a way to consistently bring out the best in Saint-Maximin.
The left flank - where Saint-Maximin has predominantly operated under Howe - also happens to be a position where the Magpies are blessed with depth. Joelinton and Joe Willock have dovetailed to great effect down that side, Alexander Isak was shifted wide to accommodate in-form Callum Wilson, while Anthony Gordon will surely improve following a tricky introduction.
This depth, coupled with a waning influence in recent months, has led to this uncomfortable point where a sale might well be in Newcastle's best interests. The Toon Army do not need to be told that despite the riches of their owners', Financial Fair Play and now UEFA's sustainability regulations will continue to dictate their spending power for the foreseeable future.
Unlike the Premier League's elite, Newcastle are not in a position to sell a host of fringe stars to offset their summer business. Before Chris Wood's exit to Nottingham Forest, the Magpies' last substantial sale came against their will four years ago when Leicester City triggered Ayoze Perez's release clause.
Newcastle's squad depth is in need of improvement, but those who leave are not expected to generate significant income. It is not easy to say, but Saint-Maximin's newfound status as a rotation option makes him the obvious and perhaps only saleable asset at this point.
With three years left on his contract, United would be in a strong position to extract maximum value despite the attacker's recent struggles. Previous reports have suggested offers in the region of £40 million might be enough to seal a sale, with i News confirming this is again the case this summer.
Howe himself insists any decision would be down to Saint-Maximin, and the debate triggered by the Instagram post confirms just how contentious a transfer would be. Yet the statement itself suggests it is divisive call which may be taken out of their hands.
Saint-Maximin thanked the Toon Army but it was a message otherwise borne of frustration. Newcastle's rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down just yet, and the forward who harbours hopes of a senior France call-up does not come across a character happy to settle for a bit-part role.
No matter how it pans out though, for the first time it is a win-win scenario for Newcastle. They either begin next season with a motivated player who has proven before he can be a matchwinner, or they bank a fee which helps toe the FFP line and maybe helps land Howe's top targets this summer.
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