Newcastle United now decide to cash in on ‘terrific’ 29-year-old

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After six years as a Newcastle United player, it looks like Javi Manquillo’s Toon career is going to come to an end this summer.

The Spaniard was signed by Rafa Benitez in 2017, arriving from Atletico Madrid following Newcastle‘s promotion to the Premier League.

Manquillo was not a high profile addition. Instead, it was a transfer that epitomised Benitez’s need to get the most out of his transfer budget.

But for £4.5million, Manquillo proved to be a worthwhile addition. He became dependable either on the right or the left, and even continued to impress under Steve Bruce, who thought he was ‘terrific‘.

However, Manquillo’s minutes have diminished since Eddie Howe became manager. Kieran Trippier arrived to become the first-choice right-back, then Manquillo was behind Emil Krafth in the pecking order after Trippier suffered an injury.

The 29-year-old spent pretty much the entire 2022/23 campaign acting as backup to Trippier due to Krafth’s absence, with Manquillo making just six appearances in total.

His last was in the 4-1 win over Brighton in May, and that could prove to be Manquillo’s final ever appearance in a Newcastle shirt.

Newcastle to listen to offers for Manquillo

It was reported earlier this week that Manquillo is no longer part of Howe’s plans, and now the Northern Echo have provided some more information.

They state that the club are now likely to sell Manquillo, as they would rather cash in on him now than let him go for free next summer when his contract expires.

The Northern Echo state that the Magpies are willing to listen to offers for the defender, whose representatives are looking to secure a move to Spain for their client.

A move away is a sensible decision – especially with Tino Livramento rumoured to be joining the club and Krafth nearing a return from injury. His minutes are already limited enough as it is, and they will only diminish further next season.

It is also the correct call from Newcastle, who are right to try and get Manquillo off of the wage bill as soon as possible. Waiting until next summer to part ways would merely be delaying the inevitable.