Finally, Newcastle plan to negotiate new deal for their most improved player

Finally…. Newcastle United are prepared to hold talks with their talented defender before his contract expires in the summer.

Newcastle United  seem to be busy with planning their contract negotiations for players at the moment. The immediate focus for the club is centered on retaining the services of youngster Matty Longstaff, but a new report from Tyneside claims that Newcastle United are planning to sit down with Javier Manquillo as well.

In the eyes of most fans, myself included, Manquillo is a talented defender who has been labeled as the most improved player in the squad. The former Atletico Madrid man and Liverpool loanee joined Newcastle United in July of 2017 when Rafa Benitez was in charge of his first full season of the Magpies in the top flight.

Manquillo’s performances were average when he first joined the club, and he was a victim of heavy criticism at times, but the narrative surrounding the 25-year-old wing-back has changed in a big way. Ever since the second half of last season, fans have been impressed with Manquillo’s form.

His defensive positioning has improved, his tackling has been more precise on the wing, the timing of his overlapping runs is the best on the team, and the quality of his crosses have improved tremendously, which is something we cannot say about his positional rival DeAndre Yedlin.

Manquillo made 18 appearances for Newcastle United last season and he was involved in six of the Magpies’ victories, helped the team claim three clean sheets, boasted a tackle success rating of 70%, and completed three assists offensively. This season, Manquillo has missed several games due to injury, but his numbers are still impressive.

The Spaniard has made 11 appearances for the Toon this term and has been involved in three of the club’s eight victories, was involved in three clean sheets, has a tackle success rating of 75%, and he has one assist to his name. Manquillo is a better overall defender than Yedlin, and he has the talent to compete with Valentino Lazaro for the starting role.

Manquillo is one of those players who put the work in over the summer and it is reflected in his positive performances on the pitch. I was personally hoping that Newcastle United would have sealed the deal for a new contract already, but I am glad their agenda finally includes the negotiation of a new contract for Manquillo.

What are your thoughts regarding Manquillo’s situation: does he deserve a new contract? Let us know in the comments section below!