Signing Confirmed: ONE IN, ONE OUT

It was a case of one in / one out for Rafa’s squad today as Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid full back Javier Manquillo on a three year contract whilst also confirming the news that Daryl Murphy had moved to Nottingham Forest.

Our new arrival is a Spaniard who already could be argued as a bit of a journeyman at the age of just 23. Predominantly a right back he will give us some much needed cover at right back whilst it remains to be seen if he’ll be a regular in the first team ahead of Yedlin. At 5’11” is does at least add a little more hight to a defence as an option.

The transfer from Atletico Madrid has cost Newcastle around £4m with Rafa obviously seeing something in his, the same something that has seen him have largely unsuccessful spells as Liverpool, Marseille and most recently Sunderland.

His appearances for Atleti were very limited playing just 6 times for them in the league and 8 in the Copa del Rey. He has featured 5 times in the Champions League and Europe League however and has played over 60 games in Ligue 1 and the Premier League.

Following on from the signing of Gamez last season, let’s hope this lad turns out to be more than just more cover for the first team.

As for the Irishman, he goes to Forest with our very best wishes. A player who signed for Newcastle knowing that his job would be to help us get out of the Championship and likely no more, he was the model professional. More than that actually.

The 34 year old’s goals were vital in our campaign including a winner against Brentford that secured all three points with just minutes remaining.

He goes with our heartfelt thanks having played a small but vital role on the pitch and a leader and gentleman’s role off it. The model pro who we are sure will bang in plenty for his new club. Thanks for everything Daryl.