How Mikel Merino and EVERY other Newcastle United player who left the club last summer fared in 2018/19

Gamez was released with only a handful of appearances under his belt at Newcastle. He still hasnt found a new club - though his Twitter bio claims he still plays for the Magpies.

Sels was sold to Strasbourg following a nightmare two years on Tyneside. He seems to have found his feet in France after being ever-present in a side that featured Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.

Armstrong lined up against United twice in the FA Cup - scoring in the replay at Ewood Park. The forward is a trusted member of Tony Mowbrays squad, marking his 44 appearances with five goals and five assists.

Benitez had zero interest in bringing Slimani back to the club, so instead joined Fenerbahce. It turns out his spell in Turkish was just as bad as his Newcastle one after being told to train with the reserves.

After promising loan spell with Bradford City and Carlisle, Gilliead never did make a first-team appearance for United. He started brightly at Shrewsbury but was in-and-out of the squad in 2019.

Barlaser shone in League One for Accrington Stanley and established himself in their midfield with 39 appearances. He is now being tipped to step up to the Championship this summer.

Aside from the three games missed with a foot injury in October, Saivet starred as a regular for Bursaspor, though he was unable to save them from relegation.