Forgotten Newcastle star set for Rafa Benitez reunion after completing permanent transfer exit to join Celta Vigo

JAVIER MANQUILLO has left Newcastle to join Celta Vigo on a permanent basis.

The move sees the Spaniard’s six-and-a-half year association with the Toon come to an end.

Reuters

Javier Manquillo played under Rafael Benitez at Celta Vigo[/caption]

It also means that he will reunite with former Magpies boss Rafael Benitez.

Celta currently sit 16th in LaLiga, having appointed Benitez last summer.

Manquillo, 29, joined the Toon from Atletico Madrid in 2017 for around £4.5million.

He had spent the previous campaign on loan fierce rivals Sunderland.

While he also spent the 2014-15 season at Liverpool.

Manquillo played 110 times for the Toon, scoring his only goal in a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United in 2021.

He has now signed an 18-month contract with Celta, having hardly played since Eddie Howe‘s arrival on Tyneside.

The full-back made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League last term.

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Manquillo hasn’t featured at all this season, and has only even made the bench once in the Prem.

Reacting to his departure, one fan wrote: “All the best @javiermanquillo…. Thanks for everything.”

While a second commented: “Thank you Javier a loyal servant to the club best of luck.”

Another added: “Always 100% and never backed out of a tackle. Thanks Javier, best of luck.”