Sunday June 22nd, 2025

    Last update 23:59 BST

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Newcastle 0
Everton 1
Premier League
St. James' Park
Sunday 25th May
Match report

The Never-Ending Tour

  Number of Newcastle
  games attended by
  NUFC.com in 2025/26:

0

 

alt

 

ST home Cup schemes x3 end on Fri 27.06 @ 5pm
Celtic (a) SOLD OUT
Atletico Madrid (h) SOLD OUT (premium seats left)
Aston Villa (a) details awaited

Internationals:
Danes bow out 

William Osula (Denmark U21s):
Sunday 22.06.2025 France (n) lost 2-3 ECF QF

The Newcastle forward was unable to add to his three goals and two assists in the tournament in Sunday's quarter final tie. Playing for the opening 60 minutes in Presov, he made little impact and went off with his side 2-1 ahead. 

Tino Livramento (England U21s):

Sat 21.06.2025 Spain (n) won 3-1 ECF
With the Newcastle full back restored to the starting line-up, England ran out winners in Trnava. Livramento completed the full game at right back while ex-Magpie Elliot Anderson rounded off the scoring with a late penalty.

England's reward is a semi-final meeting with the Netherlands on Wednesday.


2025/26:
Extra home friendly 

Newcastle confirm that they will play an additional pre-season friendly fixture at St. James' Park, facing Spaniards Espanyol in a 7.30pm kick-off on Friday August 8th

That's the night before the sold-out visit of fellow La Liga side Atletico Madrid to Gallowgate - the fourth successive season that Eddie Howe's side have concluded their preparations with back to back home kickabouts.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday, June 24th with no exclusive period for ST holders or members - it's open to everyone with a box office account at that time.

Cheapest adult tickets cost £20.

The two sides last met in a pre-season kickabout staged at Espanyol's former home at Montjuic Stadium in August 2000, the hosts running out 2-1 winners.

The Magpies did rather better against  in Spain during May 1960, securing a 5-2 victory at Espanyol's previous Estadi de Sarria base.

Giveaway:
Fanzine compo 
- ends Monday


Available online now is the latest issue of Seen.By. a softback photography fanzine that covers regional topics captured by a loose collective of photographers.

Issue 2 documents the events of March 2025, when Newcastle's eternal quest to win silverware ended in memorable style against Liverpool at Wembley.

Photos of that day from Wembley, Covent Garden and Tyneside are joined in the 84 pages by other memorable shots from the open top bus parade and celebrations.

Limited to 250 copies, the fanzine costs £10 plus £3.70 postage (overseas postage rates available on request) and can be purchased online
here

We have copies of the books to give away and to be in with a chance of winning, send your answer to the following question via email to [email protected] by 9pm on Monday June 23rd. Subject line of Photos


Eddie Howe became the first English-born Manager to guide a side to League Cup glory since 2004, when Middlesbrough had won that trophy. Who was the Boro boss that day? 

No age limit, open to anyone on the planet. Delivery only to UK addresses. One entry each please per person.

2025/26:
Cup Schemes x 3:
sign up by Friday 

Sign-ups remain open for the three stand-alone home cup schemes available, allowing season ticket holders to guarantee entry to Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures at Gallowgate this coming season.

Enrolment must be complete by Friday  June 27th at 5pm. That is a hard deadline with no exceptions.

Anyone struggling to opt in can contact NUFC via
0344 372 1892 from 10am until 5pm every weekday, but the ticket office in the Milburn Stand will only be open for personal callers this coming Wednesday from 10am to 5pm.

For anyone who doesn't sign up, there's no guarantee of any seat for a home tie in that competition and their sales window will open alongside that of club members.

Pricing for the two domestic cup competitions is unchanged from 2024/25 at £35 & £30 for home FA Cup ties and £25 & £20 for Carabao Cup games at SJP.

FA Cup and Carabao Cup payments will be taken within seven days of a home game being confirmed.

Champions League tickets cost £70 & £60, increasing from our last entrance in 2023/24 when they were £60 & £55. 

Regardless of when United's Champions League home games are staged, payments will be taken for those tickets on the 1st day of July, August, September and October.

NUFC Cup Scheme announcement is
here

NUFC Cup Scheme enrolment guide is here

NUFC Cup Scheme FAQs are here

NUFC Cup Scheme Ts & Cs are here

2025/26:
Fixtures announced 

Newcastle will begin their 2025/26 season against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday August 16th, with kick-off confirmed as 12.30pm for live UK TV (TNT Sports).

The first Tyne-wear derby league fixtures since 2015/16 take United to the dark place on or around December 13th, with the return at SJP on or around March 21st - a game that would be rescheduled should Eddie Howe's side make it to Wembley to defend the Carabao Cup.  

The festive season will be played away from Tyneside, with successive trips to Manchester United and Burnley - note that the only "blackout" day announced by the PL is December 24th, meaning that fixtures are liable to be rescheduled to both December 26th and January 1st. 

There's a Wednesday night London game against Spurs in February, but a further trio of midweek home fixtures.

Two Saturday home games are set to be pushed back to Sundays as a result of European scheduling: the visit of Nottingham Forest to SJP in October moving to Sunday 5th assuming that the visitors have progressed through their Conference playoff and are in action on Thursday 2nd.

Similarly, the home game against Aston Villa in January should move to Sunday 25th as the Villans will be in Europa League action the previous Thursday.

There's no clash with PL games on any FA Cup round weekend until the semi-finals, with the Quarter Finals on or around Saturday April 4th, which is the Easter weekend. 

That follows an international break, meaning that there's a guaranteed 19 day period with no PL games as it stands.

The final home game against West Ham is scheduled on Sunday May 17th along with the rest of the PL games that weekend. Saturday May 16th is clear for the FA Cup Final. 

The closing game of the season then takes the Magpies to Fulham on Sunday May 24th, Craven Cottage also the venue for our 38th and final PL game in 2019 and 2021.

United's visit to Everton is scheduled for the final weekend of November, with the Hill Dickinson Stadium the 61st venue to have staged a PL fixture involving the Magpies.

This will be the first time since 2020/21 that Newcastle have begun and ended a season away from home.

fixture list

The return of Burnley, Leeds United and the mackems at the expense of
Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City means that Newcastle's seasonal away mileage will reduce by a whopping 1,300* miles from 9,462 to 8,162. 

* subject to slight alteration, depending on which daft route the Toon bus convoy takes to wearside....

RGR:
Road runner 

The man known as Run Geordie Run is now in the state of Kansas, as he continues his charity trek across the USA from New York to California.

Donations are now heading towards £22,000 with every penny raised supporting the work of St.Benedicts Hospice. 

If you can help, please do so online here  

Find the RGR blog here  

Old boys:
The departed 

Former Magpie Andy Carroll has announced his departure from Bordeaux, after spending one season with the club who were demoted to the fourth tier of French football due to financial issues.

It's unclear whether the 36 year-old will extend his playing career elsewhere, but in a statement confirming the exit, Bordeaux say Carroll is returning to England in order to be closer to his children. 

Also heading for pastures new is Steven Taylor, who is standing down as Coach of UAE-based Al Qabila despite leading the club to promotion last season.

And League of Ireland Shelbourne have confirmed the mid-season departure of manager Damien Duff, ahead of next month's Champions League meeting with Linfield.

Internationals:
U19 Euro update 

Antonio Cordero (Spain U19s):
Thu 19.06.2025 Montenegro (n) won 5-0 ECF
Spain's perfect start to defending their European Championship title continued with a third win in as many Group A ties.

Cordero was rested and appeared from the bench with 83 minutes played in Ploiesti and the scoring having ended.

Next up is a semi-final meeting on Monday afternoon against Germany - Netherlands and hosts Romania clash in the other tie later the same day.


U21s:
Mariners again 

In a repeat of their 2024/25 pre-season meeting, Newcastle U21s will travel to South Shields for a friendly fixture on Sunday August 3rd. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Before that public fixture, the second string host Hull City U21s behind closed doors on Saturday July 26th (1pm).

2025/26:
Teen trio commit 

Newcastle have agreed contract extensions with three 18 year-old players on the verge of the senior squad.

Full back Leo Shahar, winger Trevan Sanusi and forward Sean Neave have all put pen to paper on new deals of unspecified duration.

First professional contracts have been awarded to forward Joe Brayson and defensive duo Logan Watts and Luke Craggs, who are all 18 or reach that age imminently.

Elsewhere in the Academy, Sam Alabi, Michael Mills and Sam Pinnington have accepted scholarships and Thomas Bryant's scholarship is extended into a third year.

Update:
Coach departure 

Newcastle confirm that U21 lead coach Diarmuid O’Carroll has left Gallowgate in order to join the senior team coaching staff at Czechs Sparta Prague.

O'Carroll moved from his post as St. Mirren assistant manager in September 2024 to join the Magpies, combining that role with coaching the Northern Ireland national team.

The U21 lead coach role became vacant in July 2024 when Ben Dawson left to join Leicester City, Neil Winskill and Jack Ross taking interim charge until O'Carroll's appointment.


Old boy:
AA joins Tynesiders 

National League side Gateshead have appointed former Magpie Alun Armstrong as their new manager.

The 50 year-old came through the ranks at Gallowgate but left without making a senior competitive debut, appearing for the likes of Stockport County, Boro and Ipswich Town during his playing career.

Previously taking charge of Blyth Spartans and Darlington, Alan has been out of management since leaving the latter back in September 2023. More recently he became head of Elite and Performance Football at Gateshead College. 

2025/26:
Korea
confirmation

Following last months announcement that Newcastle will play two pre-season games in South Korea, belated confirmation of the dates and venues has now appeared.

Eddie Howe's side will take place in the Coupang Play Series against a local XI and fellow Premier League side Spurs.

The meeting with Team K League will take place on Wednesday July 30th (8pm local time) at the 42,000 capacity Suwon World Cup Stadium (above).

That will be followed by a kickabout against Spurs on Sunday August 3rd (8pm local time) at the 65,000 capacity Seoul World Cup Stadium (above).

The two venues are around 25 miles from each other.

From NUFC: 

Tickets for fans based in South Korea will be available during pre-sale and general sale windows, with pre-sale exclusively available to Coupang Play Sports Pass subscribers.

Team K League: 
Pre-sale 25.06.2025 (8pm), general sale 27.06.2025 (8pm)

Spurs: 
Pre-sale 26.06.2025 (8pm), general sale 04.07.2025 (8pm)

Tickets will be exclusively available via Coupang Play.

Tickets for fans travelling to South Korea will be initially available to ST Holders and Mags Members from 10am on 30.06.2025. General sale is from 10am on 07.07.2025.

United's pre-season schedule now extends to six matches as follows, preceded by a behind closed doors friendly:

Sat 19.07.2025 Celtic (Scotland) (a)
Sun 27.07.2025 Arsenal (n) in Singapore
Wed 30.07.2025 Team K League (South Korea) (a)
Sun 03.08.2025 Spurs (n) in South Korea
Fri 08.08.2025 Espanyol (h) (Spain) (h)
Sat 09.08.2025 Atletico Madrid (Spain) (h)

Update:
Bill of rights

Marking a century since a rule change by football's ruling body inspired by his cunning, The Athletic reflect on the genius of Newcastle United's Bill McCracken here

PS: A detailed biography of McCracken has been written by NUFC club historian Paul Joannou and is due for publication in September 2025.

Update:
FAB minutes

Minutes from the most recent FAB (Fan Advisory Board) meeting at SJP are now available online
here

Amongst the usual range of topics covered was the following update regarding 2025/26 kit releases:

"Third kit to launch in early July and Away shirt launch planned to be on pre-season tour in Asia during July or August."

Old boys:
Comings & goings 

SJP old boys with new clubs/jobs include:

Tom Allan Darlington
Kieran Aplin
Whitley Bay
Alun Armstrong
Gateshead M
Jean-Alain Boumsong
Auxerre C
Mark Boyd Carlisle City AM
Lewis Cass Harrogate Town
Stan Flaherty Hampton & Richmond
Lloyd Kelly Juventus
Oisin McEntee Hearts
John Robertson Ross County AM
Josh Scott Darlington

Free agents leaving SJP:

Josh Donaldson
James Huntley
Jamal Lewis
Lloyd Kelly
Harry Powell
Rory Powell
John Ruddy
(possibility of new terms)
Ellis Stanton
Jay Turner-Cooke

Callum Wilson (possibility of new terms)

Former Magpies leaving their clubs include:

Tom Allan Gateshead
Graeme Carrick Boro C
Andy Carroll
Bordeaux
Lewis Cass
Grimsby Town
Nicky Deverdics
Blyth Spartans
Damien Duff
Shelbourne M
Paul Dummett
Carlisle United
Stan Flaherty Kingstonian
Fraser Forster
Spurs
Dwight Gayle
Hibernian (retired) 
Jeff Hendrick Derby County
JJ Hooper Blyth Spartans
Tim Krul Luton Town
Oisin McEntee
Walsall
Greg Olley
Gateshead
Josh Scott Queens Park
Jonjo Shelvey
Burnley
Steven Taylor Al Qabila
Ben Tozer Forest Green Rovers (retired)
Jonathan Woodgate
Boro C
Freddie Woodman
Preston North End

 







Privacy policy

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Tickets/Fixtures
Season 2025/26


NUFC ticketing website online here

NUFC Box Office opening times: 

0344 372 1892 line manned:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm
Home games: 10am to 30 minutes from KO
Away games: Three hours from KO to KO


Milburn Stand Box Office manned:
Wednesdays only: 10am to 5pm
Home games: 10am to half time


Future STs:
No additional sale, none planned, no waiting list in operation.

2025/26 ST prices online here

2025/26 ST home cup scheme: 
closing date Fri 27.06.2025 @ 5pm

ST home cup scheme pricing: 
CL: £60 & £70
FA
: £30 & £35
CC:
£20 & £25

2025/26 Memberships
- ££ unchanged.


SJP seating plan
online here  

Away ticket transfers are possible between 72 hours and five hours before kick-off (times can occasionally vary).

Home ticket transfers are possible between three weeks and one hour before kick-off. 

More info online here

Away tickets:
The PL-wide £30 away ticket price cap for adults will apply in 2025/26.

All
2025/26 Champions League away ticket prices will be pegged at €50.

Away ticket FAQ is online here

2025/26 season Magpie Movers are now on sale via NUFC for £25 (no concessions).

For the first time, they are open to Mags+ members in addition to ST holders. NUFC press release is online
here


Fri 27.06.2025 Cup Schemes (h)
ST holder sign-up closes @ 5pm.

Wed 09.07.2025 Aug & Sep PL live TV picks due
@ no specific time. 


TBC ??.07.2025 Team tbc (?)
@ venue tbc, KO tbc. Friendly. Behind closed doors.

Sat 19.07.2025 Celtic (Scotland) (a) @ Parkhead, 3pm. Friendly. SOLD OUT. Allocation: 7,200 (paper tickets).

Sat 26.07.2025 U21s v Hull City (h) @ venue tbc, 1pm. Friendly.
Behind Closed Doors.

Sun 27.07.2025 Arsenal (n) @ National Stadium, Singapore, 7.30pm local time (12.30pm BST). Friendly.
Tickets available online here

Wed 30.07.2025 Team K League (South Korea) (a) @ Suwon World Cup Stadium, South Korea, 8pm local time (Noon BST). Friendly. ST holder sale Mon 30.06.2025 10am, public sale Mon 07.07.2025, 10am.

Sun 03.08.2025 Spurs (n) @ Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea. 8pm local time (Noon BST). Friendly. ST holder sale Mon 30.06.2025 10am, public sale Mon 07.07.2025, 10am.

Sun 03.08.2025 U21s v South Shields (a) @ First Cloud Arena, 3pm. Friendly.

Fri 08.08.2025 RCD Espanyol (Spain) (h) @ SJP, 7.30pm. Friendly. Public sale Tue 24.06.2025 @ 10am (no exclusive sales period for ST holders or members).

Sat 09.08.2025 Atletico Madrid (Spain) (h)
@ SJP, 4pm. Friendly. SOLD OUT (Premium tickets still available).

Sat 16.08.2025
Aston Villa (a) @ Villa Park, 12.30pm. Premier League. Live on TNT Sports. Ticket sale details tbc. 

Thu 28.08.2025 CL League stage draw.

Mon 01.09.2025 Transfer window closes.

Sun 24.05.2026 PL ends. 

NUFC live on TV:
Sat 16.08.2025 Villa (a) 12.30pm TNT

CL League stage match dates:

1: Tue 16.09/Wed 17.09/Thu 18.09.2025
2: Tue 30.09/Wed 01.10.2025
3: Tue 21.10/Wed 22.10.2025
4: Tue 04.11/Wed 05.11.2025
5: Tue 25.11/Wed 26.11.2025
6: Tue 09.12/Wed 10.12.2025
7: Tue 20.01/Wed 21.01.2026
8: Wed 28.01.2026

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your online activity.
Click here for fast
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Live TV release dates:  

Aug
by Wed 09.07.2025
Sep by Wed 09.07.2025
Oct by Wed 20.08.2025
Nov by Wed 17.09.2025
Dec by Wed 15.10.2025
Jan by Wed 15.10.2025
Feb by Wed 17.12.2025
Mar by Wed 21.01.2026
Apr by Wed 04.03.2026
MW35 by Wed 25.03.2026
MW36 by Wed 01.04.2026
MW37 by Wed 08.04.2026
MW38 after Sun 17.05.2026

(The only PL games not televised live in the UK during 2025/26 will be 3pm Saturday KOs. All games rescheduled to Sunday due to European commitments will be shown). 

Carabao Cup:
(NUFC enter in Round 3: draw takes place on or around Wed 27.08.2025). 

R3:
w/c Mon 15.09.2025 / 22.09.2025*
R4: w/c Mon 27.10.2025
QF: w/c Mon 15.12.2025
SF1: w/c Mon 12.01.2026
SF2: w/c Mon 02.02.2026
F: Sun 22.03.2026

* NUFC tie will be played in w/c 22.09

FA Cup: 

(NUFC enter in Round 3: draw takes place on or around Sun 07.12.2025).

R3: Sat 10.01.2026
R4: Sat 14.02.2026
R5: Sat 07.03.2026
QF: Sat 04.04.2026
SF: Sat 25.04.2026
F: Sat 16.05.2026

EFL Trophy (Vertu Trophy):
Group Stage draw 26.06.2025
Matchday One: w/c Mon 01.09.2025
Other dates tbc

Premier League International Cup:

Details tbc

U
19 Youth League:
League fixtures replicate the first six in the CL (not eight). The competition then moves to a knockout phase from the last 32. 

FA Youth Cup:
NUFC U18s enter in Round 3, ties be played on or before Sat 13.12.2025.

Sat 09.08.2025 NUWFC v Atletico Madrid Femenino (Spain), 1pm. Friendly.

Euro 2028 - date(s) awaited.

Winter transfer window:

Thu 01.01.2026-Mon 02.02.2026 @ tbc

International Magpies
National Service

2025/26
International breaks:

01.09-09.09.2025
06.10-14.10.2025
10.11-18.11.2025
21.12-18.01.2026 AFCON
23.03-31.03.2026

11.06.2026-19.07.2026 World Cup

 
Coxy's Corner

Whoops, He did it Again...


The Star's coverage of the England U21 game seems to suggest that the Magpies have made their first foray into the summer transfer market.... 

(Kev Murdie)

What's this all about then? Click here  
for a rambling explanation of sorts....
 

On This Day in History
22nd June


Born Or Died:

1868 Bob Foyers born, Hamilton, Scotland. (1895-97)

Left back who was capped twice for Scotland while playing for Edinburgh St.Bernard, joining United in 1895, shortly after winning a Scottish Cup medal.
 
Debuting in a 3-0 home victory over Loughborough Town in September 1895, Bob was subsequently made club captain - only to be stripped of it over an off-field disciplinary matter. 

A brief return to St. Bernards came during 1897, followed by an equally short stay with Clyde. Bob died in August 1942.

1879 Bobby Templeton born, Coylton, Scotland. (1903-04)

A tricky winger known for his weaving style on the ball, Bobby had made his name with Kilmarnock and Hibernian before a first foray to England in 1899 came with Aston Villa.

Moving to to United in January 1903 at a cost of £400, he proved to be a popular but inconsistent player. And after less than two years on Tyneside, a £250 switch took Bobby to Woolwich Arsenal.

Later spells with Celtic and Kilmarnock followed, as well as another further stint back over the border, with Fulham.

During his time at SJP Templeton won three of his eleven full Scotland caps. He passed away in November 1919.

1891 Alex Rainnie born, Banff, Scotland (1919-20).

Left half whose solitary senior appearance for United was a 0-4 loss at Everton in January 1920, deputising for Jock Finlay.

Beginning his playing career with Dumbarton, Alex moved to the North East as a youngster and played for Hebburn Argyle. 

Serving in the Royal Navy during WW1, he returned to Tyneside and was spotted by Newcastle playing for South Shields in May 1919.

Featuring for the reserves aside from that one call-up, Rainnie joined Darlington in July 1920 and then Ashington for a season in 1923/24 - The Colliers playing in the Football League at that time.

Finding employment in Tyneside shipyards, Alex passed away in 1965. His death was recorded in County Durham.

1914 Alf Garnham born, Birtley.
(1934-42)

Left half who joined United from his local side during April 1934 and was promoted to the first team for a 0-1 loss at Norwich during December 1935. 

Moving on to Queen of the South shortly before the outbreak of World War II, Alf returned to guest for the Magpies in the War Leagues.

A fireman in Dumfries during the conflict, Garnham became player-manager of West Stanley in 1946 and was forced to retire from playing through injury four years on.

He passed away in 1998.

1993 Loris Karius born Biberach, Germany (2022-24)

An unexpected arrival in September 2022, Karius was a free agent when agreeing a short-term contract as cover for the existing Gallowgate goalkeepers.

His signing followed the departure of Martin Dubravka on loan to Manchester United and an ankle injury to Karl Darlow that left Nick Pope as the only available custodian with Premier League experience.

Karius had been a free agent after his deal with Liverpool ended in 2022 - although he'd not appeared for the Reds since the 2018 Champions League Final loss to Real Madrid.

Loaned to Besiktas and Union Berlin after shouldering some the blame for that loss, his most recent competitive appearance had come in a Bundesliga game in May 2021.

Named on the bench in the Premier League for Newcastle, Loris extended his stay until the end of the season in January 2023, as Karl Darlow headed on loan to Hull City and Dubravka returned from Old Trafford.

By then he'd managed 45 minutes on the field for the Magpies; playing the first half of a friendly win over Al-Hilal in Riyadh. 

Rather improbably, Karius would make his competitive Magpies bow in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley the following month; with Pope suspended, Dubravka cup-tied and reserve custodian Mark Gillespie overlooked.

He made one more appearance before leaving the club in Summer 2024, a 1-4 mauling in the Premier League at Arsenal.

Clubless until the following January when joining Schalke 04 on a short-term deal, Loris then signed a two year extension at the Bundesliga 2 club that summer.

A German youth international who failed to win a senior cap, Loris began his career with Stuttgart before signing for Manchester City during 2009. However he didn't advance beyond the reserves.

Loaned to German side Mainz in 2011, he initially played for their second string before being promoted to the senior side, making his move permanent in 2012.

A switch to Liverpool then followed four years later, playing the first of 49 league and cup games in September 2016.   

Lge LC Tot
A S G A S G Ap Su Gl
1     1     2

1996 Mikel Merino born Pamplona, Spain.
(2017-18)

United's fifth close season capture ahead of their top flight return in 2017 came on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund.

Beginning his professional career with Osasuna in his home city of Pamplona, the midfielder made his senior debut in January 2015 and agreed a five year deal with Dortmund the following year.

Debuting in the Bundesliga against Hertha Berlin in October 2016, Mikel made nine league and cup appearances in total (two starts) without scoring.

Like Jacob Murphy, Merino played at the 2017 Euro U21 finals - a tournament that NUFC head scout Steve Nickson attended.

Both Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao were linked with Merino and he was omitted from the squad for Dortmund's Swiss training camp in expectation of a move.

First glimpsed in friendly action away to Mainz, Mikel's senior bow came at home to Spurs on the opening day of the season.

His first Premier League goal resulted in a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace that October and news of a permanent five year deal at a cost of , which had been provisioned in the original loan.

However, a back injury sidelined Merino a month later and by the time he returned, Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey had formed an effective unit in midfield.

Speculation of a return to his native Spain did the rounds in the media and what proved to be a farewell outing came late on in a 1-2 loss at Watford in May 2018.

A £10.5m release clause was triggered by Real Sociedad amid interest from Athletic Bilbao, Benitez later confirming that the agreed price applied only to Basque clubs.

Full international honours then arrived in August 2020 for Mikel, selected to face Germany in a Nations League tie.

Merino returned to the Premier League with Arsenal for around £31m in August 2024, only to immediately fracture his shoulder in training.

Fielded as a makeshift centre forward at times in his first season as a Gunner, he featured in both Premier League and Carabao Cup games on Tyneside but neither of the Emirates meetings.

First capped at senior international level by Spain in 2020, Mikel was part of the squad that won silver at the Olympic football tournament the following year.

A late substitute in the 2-1 win over England in the Euro 2024 Final in Berlin, he came off the bench a year later against Portugal in the Nations League Cup Final.

That ended in a 2-2 draw, Merino then netting in the penalty shootout only for his side to then lose 3-5 in Munich.


 

What Else?

1960 Following their demotion to Division Three, Bristol City completed a £5,000 deal for Newcastle forward Alex Tait.

26 year-old Tait had made 34 league and cup appearances for the Magpies during the previous four seasons, three of his ten goals coming in a 6-2 derby win in 1956.

1986
England exited the World Cup Finals at the Quarter Final stage, beaten 2-1 in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.

Scoreless at the break, Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' effort gave his side a 51st minute lead before the same player hit a world-class goal four minutes later.

Gary Lineker netted in the 81st minute but there was no equaliser for an England side managed by Bobby Robson.

Newcastle's Peter Beardsley lined up with future Magpies Kenny Sansom and John Barnes and ex-colleague Chris Waddle. 

Bobby Robson who later said of the "goal":

"It wasn’t the hand of God. It was the hand of a rascal. God had nothing to do with it. (Maradona's second was) a brilliant goal - I didn’t like it but I had to admire it.”

1998 Newcastle's summer signings so far: Stephane Guivarc'h (Auxerre £3.5m), Stephen Glass (Aberdeen £650K), George Giorgiadis (Panathinaikos £500K), Lionel Perez (mackems £0).

1999 Although an official announcement hadn't yet confirmed it, Real Mallorca defender Elena Marcelino was on his way to Tyneside for a reported £6m.

Meanwhile, the infamous Lee Clark Wembley SMB T-shirt pic first appeared on NUFC.com.

2001 Rumours that Coventry City striker Craig Bellamy was on Bobby's wanted list started to grow.

2005 United announced they had filled the vacancy left by Academy Coach John Carver by appointing ex-Mag Glenn Roeder. A year later he was in charge of the big lads....

2006 Michael Owen may have been back home but Newcastle still had a World Cup goalscorer as Craig Moore's first half penalty sent Australia into the last sixteen.

A 2-2 draw against Croatia was enough for Australia to qualify in second place as Brazil thumped Japan 4-1 to win the group.

Harry Kewell got Australia's second after Croatia had taken the lead for the second time but referee Graham Poll took centre stage, brandishing three red cards and infamously three yellows for Josip Simunic!

2016 United received confirmation that their first league game out of the top flight since 2010 would be on a Friday evening against Fulham at Craven Cottage, live on Sky TV.

2018 Aleksandar Mitrovic, United's sole representative at the World Cup Finals in Russia, found the net for Serbia in their 1-2 Group Stage defeat by Switzerland.

The striker's goal in
Kaliningrad made him only the seventh Magpie to net at in a World Cup Final tournament:

George Robledo Chile v USA 1950
Ivor Broadis England v Belgium 1954 (2) 
Peter Beardsley
England v Paraguay 1986
Alan Shearer
England v Tunisia 1998
Alan Shearer England v Argentina 1998 
Craig Moore Australia v Croatia 2006
Moussa Sissoko France v Switzerland 2014
Aleksandar Mitrovic Serbia v Switzerland 2018

2021 Ryan Fraser came off the bench but was unable to help his Scotland colleagues avoid a 1-3 defeat to Croatia at Hampden Park that ended their Euros campaign.

2023 there was a lively start for United's Anthony Gordon as England began their European U21 Championship Final games.

Playing as a striker, he laid on one goal and had an effort chalked off as England defeated Czech Republic 2-0 in Batumi.

2023 Over in Cluj,, Italy U21s lost 1-2 to France, with
Sandro Tonali captaining the beaten Azzurri side and adding an assist.

The AC Milan midfielder was reported to be on the verge of completing a £60m switch to Newcastle United.