To this day, Mikel Merino remains a Tyneside enigma.
He came, he saw and he, albeit briefly, conquered. Then manager Rafa Benitez snatched his compatriot from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and brought him to Newcastle United.
An initial season-long loan, this quickly became a permanent deal once obligations had been met in October. Toon supporters were impressed by stylish midfield displays - that included a last-minute winner against Crystal Palace - akin to those of a young Sergio Busquets.
