Sorry Kenedy, just one 2017/18 signing named in our five best Benitez captures at Newcastle
4. Mikel Merino
Signed from: Borussia Dortmund – Fee (approx): £7million – Appearances: 23
A surprise inclusion considering he was only signed in the summer, the Spanish midfielder arrived on loan to little fanfare but immediately impressed with his performances in the middle of the park.
A Rolls-Royce of a midfielder with the ability to do the dirty work, there is much to be excited about for the Toon Army, especially when you consider the former Dortmund man is only 21-years-old.
He would be the first to admit he has much more to bring to the table after suffering a back injury which in turn has impacted his performances, but his early season displays offer much promise going forward.
Passing, tackling, vision, enthusiasm, power, pace; the Spanish under-21 international has the lot, and the Magpies pulled off a stroke of genius to secure him for the bargain price of £7million, and with five years still left on his contract, fans will be hoping that they do not see any profits from his sale for the foreseeable future.
Click below to find out who sits third in our top five list of Benitez’s top signings…