Allan Saint-Maximin
CHL
LW
One-v-One Creator
Mar 12, 1997 (29)
Right
5'8"
148 lb
CharlotteLogs another assist
Saint-Maximin assisted once to go with four shots (one on goal) and five chances created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Charlotte signed Saint-Maximin to add firepower to the left flank of the team's attacking unit, and so far, he has not disappointed. He became a regular starter in late-August, and after his first start, logged three more consecutively, assisting twice. This time, Saint-Maximin assisted Liel Abada, providing a key pass to the equalizer that ultimately brought back Charlotte to the game.
First Charlotte assist
Saint-Maximin assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Atlanta United.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin was back in the starting XI for Charlotte as he earned that role for a second straight contest, only his fourth appearance since joining the club. He would bag his first MLS goal contribution via an assist, finding Liel Abada in the 48th minute. This is unlikely to be a rare sight for the winger, set to be a major boost to Charlotte's attack.
Starts again after knock
Saint-Maximin (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus Atlanta.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin overcame an injury scare during the week and retained a starting spot for the second successive match. This will be a chance for him to earn his first goal or assist as a Charlotte player following three unsuccessful outings in terms of direct contributions. He has been active in attacking duties on the left flank, tallying six shots and five chances created in 149 minutes of play so far. His presence in the lineup leaves Tyger Smalls as a bench option once again.
Forced off in win
Saint-Maximin abandoned Saturday's 3-1 win over D.C. United after hurting his right ankle, Carroll R. Walton of The Charlotte Ledger reports.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin was helped off the pitch after taking a tough knock during his first start for Charlotte. Despite failing to get involved in the goals, he had been active in dribbling and playmaking actions before his withdrawal. Tyger Smalls took his place on the field for the final minutes of the game, though Liel Abada figures as a stronger replacement option if the injury rules the star signing out of future contests.
Makes Charlotte debut
Saint-Maximin played 18 minutes in Wednesday's 1-0 Leagues Cup loss to Pachuca for his first minutes as a Charlotte player, according to the club.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin finished last season with three goals and three assists across 403 minutes at Lens, part of a stint that also brought a Coupe de France title before he became a free agent this summer. His Charlotte debut marks the start of his integration with the club, and he now looks to build toward eventually overtaking Rodolfo Aloko and Liel Abada for a regular starting role.
Available for Pachuca clash
Saint-Maximin will be available for Wednesday's match against CF Pachuca, according to coach Dean Smith.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin had been working on his physical level after resolving visa issues and joining Charlotte's training sessions, with manager Smith noting after a recent match that his fitness needed some work, but they've found he recovers really quickly. His availability now sets up a potential Charlotte debut, likely starting with a bench role as he looks to build toward eventually overtaking Rodolfo Aloko and Liel Abada for a starting spot.
Should be option soon
Saint-Maximin is working on his physical level as he looks to make his Charlotte debut in upcoming weeks, with coach Dean Smith saying after Friday's match against Atlas that his fitness "needs some work, but we've found he recovers really quickly.", per Will Palaszczuk of Radio WFNZ.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin has resolved his visa issues and joined Charlotte's training sessions, and it's now a matter of regaining match fitness before the star signing can appear in game action. Whether that happens in the remaining Leagues Cup phase one matchup versus Pachuca or in the resumption of MLS play, the winger could initially get minutes off the bench and eventually overtake Rodolfo Aloko and Liel Abada in the race for a starting role.
First training with Charlotte
Saint-Maximin is set for his first training session with Charlotte FC, the club announced.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin had signed a three year deal with the club last month but was previously unavailable for matches while working through visa issues, with no clear timetable in place for their resolution at the time. His debut had been delayed as a result, but this session marks the start of his integration with the group. The winger produced six goals and five assists last season between stints with America in Mexico and Lens in France, and his blend of pace, dribbling and creativity is expected to make him an important attacking piece once fully available. Saint-Maximin is expected to build toward his Charlotte debut in the coming weeks.
Still figuring out visa
Saint-Maximin is not an option for Wednesday's match against Atlanta as he figures out some issues with his visa, according to manager Dean Smith, per Carroll Walton of the Charlotte Ledger.
Analysis: Sanot-Maximin made a move to Charlotte around a week ago but won't make his highly anticipated debut in their next match, as he is still dealing with visa issues. This will likely delay his debut another week or two, with no timetable in place for when the issues may be resolved. Once he is an option, he is likely to play a major role, earning six goals and five assists last season between his time with America in Mexico and Lens in France.
Joins Charlotte FC
Saint-Maximin signed a three-year Designated Player contract with Charlotte FC through the 2028-29 season, the club announced.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin arrives in MLS with extensive experience across Europe's top leagues and a reputation as one of the game's most dynamic dribblers. The 28-year-old winger most recently helped Lens finish second in Ligue 1 and win the Coupe de France, recording four goals and three assists in 13 appearances after joining the club in February. He previously starred for Newcastle United, tallying 13 goals and 21 assists in 124 Premier League matches before moves to Al-Ahli, Fenerbahce and Club America. Known for his pace, creativity and flair in one-on-one situations, Saint-Maximin is expected to become a centerpiece of Charlotte's attack and one of MLS's marquee talents.
Option to face PSG
Saint-Maximin (undisclosed) is an option for play after being left off the injured list, according to manager Pierre Sage.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin had to miss out on the club's last match as a precaution, but is now back and ready for action, with the attacker not amongst the injured players. This will give his club another viable option off the bench, potentially appearing later to give the attack a boost, recording three goals and three assists in nine appearances (two starts) this campaign.
Ruled out against Nantes
Saint-Maximin (undisclosed) has been ruled out of Friday's clash against Nantes as a precaution with the PSG fixture and Coupe de France final on the horizon, according to coach Pierre Sage.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin's omission is a purely precautionary measure rather than any significant injury concern, with Lens clearly prioritizing having him fully fit for the PSG clash next week and the upcoming cup final rather than risking him against the Canaries. Wesley Said is expected to take on a larger role in the front line until Saint-Maximin returns to full speed next week, with manager Sage keen to manage his star attacker carefully heading into what promises to be the biggest games of the club's season.
Scores opener at Nice
Saint-Maximin scored one goal to go with six shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Nice.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin scored the opener in the 60th minute with his sixth goal in the campaign. The forward led Lens with a season-high six shots during the match. That was his 11th start in 25 appearances.
Scores in 3-3 draw
Saint-Maximin scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and three chances created in Friday's 3-3 draw against Brest. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 94th minute.
Analysis: Saint-Maximin scored the team's third goal in the match, which was his second in the league campaign. The 29-year-old provided three crosses, and two were accurate. Saint-Maximin also created three chances.
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