Newcastle United confirm Rafa Benitez reunion with January transfer window departure

Newcastle United have announced Javier Manquillo will join Celta Vigo with immediate effect.

The Spaniard spent almost seven years on Tyneside, helping the club become an established Premier League outfit following promotion. Capable of playing at left-back or right-back, Manquillo was an unsung hero during Mike Ashley’s latter days as owner.

But game time has been hard to come by since Eddie Howe’s appointment two years ago. Manquillo last started for Newcastle in April 2022 when Tottenham Hotspur thumped to a 5-1 victory and has not kicked a ball all season.

A return to La Liga will see the 29-year-old reunite with former Toon boss Rafa Benitez - who signed him for Newcastle in 2017. As was often the case during his time at St James’ Park, Manquillo will be thrown directly into a relegation battle, with Celta sitting two points above the drop zone.

“Newcastle United can confirm that defender Javier Manquillo has joined La Liga side RC Celta Vigo on a permanent basis,” a club statement read. “The full-back returns to his native Spain following six-and-a-half years at St James' Park, having arrived from Atlético Madrid in July 2017.

Manquillo made 110 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, with his solitary goal for the club coming away to Manchester United in 2021. The 29-year-old will now link up with former boss Rafa Benitez, whose side currently sit 16th in the La Liga table.

"Newcastle United would like to thank Javier for his service and everybody at the club wishes him well for the future."