Newcastle United’s right back Javier Manquillo is set to join Celta Vigo on a free transfer.
Manquillo arrived at the club for his medical on Thursday evening and is expected to sign a deal until June 2025, subject to the expiration of his contract at Newcastle. The 29-year-old’s contract with St James’ Park ends at the conclusion of the season.
Manquillo has not played for Newcastle this season and, according to Marca in Spain, his move to Celta Vigo will be announced in the ‘coming few hours’. The La Liga club is managed by former Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez, who recruited Manquillo from Atletico Madrid for £4.5 million in 2017.
The Spaniard has made 110 appearances for Newcastle, scoring once in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester United.
In a pre-match press conference ahead of Vigo’s encounter against Real Sociedad, Benitez confirmed Manquillo was close to signing despite some ‘last-minute’ obstacles.
“He is not our player yet,” Benitez stated. “There are some last-minute paperwork difficulties. I believe it will be resolved. We want to improve the squad’s competitiveness in all positions whenever possible.[Manquillo] represents a market opportunity, a player with experience who can assist us in this stretch. If all goes well, in a lot more games. I insist that he is not yet a footballer and is here to help, add, and compete.”
Manquillo has been out for Newcastle owing to a groin issue, which Benitez has revealed requires surgery. When asked if Manquillo could play in this weekend’s encounter, Benitez said, “No.”
“He is a healthy player who had surgery for an inguinal hernia after an issue with his adductor to see if the problem was caused by it. He is fine and has been training.
“Now the question is how long it will take him to get fit. We are not bringing him tomorrow. We are bringing him so that he is in shape as soon as possible and tightens so that those of us who are around may all fit the batteries.” “If you are going to ask me if he will play tomorrow? No. First, he is not yet a member of our team, and second, he is not physically fit.”
