Newcastle United did not sell any major names during the January transfer window, but they did say goodbye to Javier Manquillo.
The 29-year-old player called time on his Toon career after failing to make a single appearance all season, having only featured on the bench twice during the 2023/24 campaign.
Javier Manquillo was no longer needed at St James’ Park, with Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth all ahead of him in the pecking order. A move away was a sensible decision, even if Howe admitted that Newcastle were losing a very talented player.
The Spanish defender left Tyneside and headed back to Spain, signing for La Liga side Celta Vigo.
However, Manquillo might suddenly regret his decision to join the Sky Blues.
Rafa Benitez loses his job after signing Javi Manquillo
That is because there is suddenly set to be a change of manager at Celta Vigo.
Manquillo was signed by Rafa Benitez, the former Newcastle United boss who also brought the right-back to St James’ Park.
The pair were reunited at Celta Vigo, but it is a reunion that has already come to an end. It has been announced that Benitez has been sacked by the Spanish club, who are teetering above the relegation zone in La Liga.
The ex-Toon manager has been relieved of his duties after less than a year, which will serve as a further dent to his diminishing reputation.
It also leave Manquillo in a difficult position, and he will be hoping that whoever replaces Benitez is also a fan of his. Manquillo had started five of Celta Vigo’s last six La Liga games, as Benitez put his faith in a player he knows so well.
It remains to be seen whether the new manager at Celta will be equally as fond of Manquillo.
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