Newcastle United first teamer Mikel Merino is set to seal his exit from St James’ Park next week, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claims in its live transfer blog (7:26pm, 20 June) that the midfielder is ready to quit the Magpies next week to join La Liga club Real Sociedad.
It is understood the Spaniard will complete a £13million move to return to his homeland and end his one-year stay in the Premier League.
The report does detail that manager Rafael Benitez does want to sign a replacement for the 21-year-old before his exit goes through.
Good move for Newcastle?
Merino dazzled for Newcastle in the opening months of his time in England, which promoted the club to turn his loan move from Borussia Dortmund into a loan one.
The deep-lying playmaker may not have enjoyed the best second half of the season by being mainly used as a substitute, but it seem ludicrous he is now set to depart this summer.
He is a left-footed pass master that at times has looked quality as the central midfielder and at the age of 21 still has so much room for development, something that Benitez can help oversee.
Newcastle may feel like £13million is a decent financial return right now, but he could be worth treble that in a few years if he gets on the right path and will surely be a success in La Liga.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 1/10
Likely to happen?
Unfortunately this deal looks like it has the green light and that Merino’s exit will be wrapped up next week, but the only saving grace for Newcastle is that they want to sign a like-for-like replacement first.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 8/10
