According to The Athletic, Javier Manquillo is closing in on a January move to Celta Vigo.
This would see the right-back reunited with Rafa Benitez; the former Newcastle United boss who brought him to Tyneside from Atletico Madrid back in 2017.
Chris Waugh reports that Newcastle haven’t made any progress on incomings as of yet, but are looking to offload a couple of fringe players to create room in the wage budget and ease the FFP/PSR constraints currently limiting our ability to recruit.
Manquillo is out of contract this summer and hasn’t featured this season following a series of injuries. However, he’s close to full fitness after surgery and is expected to join the La Liga side to end his six and a half year stint at St James’ Park.
A move would make sense for all parties, freeing up space in the squad, reducing the wage bill and moving on a player who has slipped behind Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth in the pecking order at right-back.
The Spaniard has been a solid servant, rarely letting us down during the Benitez and Steve Bruce eras. His cameo at Leeds in Howe’s first season was huge, where he played a blinder against Raphinha in a massive 1-0 win that kickstarted our 2021/22 turnaround.
Hopefully this one does go through, for everyone’s sake. All the best, Javier!
#NUFC haven't made any progress on incomings yet, but are closing in on an outgoing as they look to offload fringe players to make room in the wage budget.
Javier Manquillo hasn't played this season & is in talks to rejoin Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo.https://t.co/H6ByD8jW0U
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) January 18, 2024
