Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino will have a medical by the weekend as his £10million move to Real Sociedad nears completion, according to a reliable journalist.
Keith Downie, North-East reporter for Sky Sports News, reported on his personal Twitter account on Thursday afternoon that Sociedad have now activated Merino’s £10million release clause.
Downie further claims that Merino will complete his medical with the Basque club within days as he prepares to walk away from St. James’ Park after just one season following this latest development.
Mikel Merino is on the verge of return to Spain with Real Sociedad. We understand the La Liga side have activated the midfielder’s £10m release clause and he’ll have a medical by the weekend.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 5, 2018
Merino played 25 games for the Magpies in his first season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
OPINION
The rumours surrounding a potential exit for Merino have been swirling for months, but Newcastle fans were seemingly certain that the young Spaniard would remain at the club this summer. The 22-year-old endured a tough first season on Tyneside but his quality was clear for everyone to see, and most importantly, he was highly-rated by manager Rafa Benitez. That however looks to have counted for nothing after Merino’s decision to leave the club after just one season, and this could be an exit that the club rue for years to come. The youngster is set for a starring role upon his return to Spain, and should begin to live up to his vast potential, which is what Newcastle fans had hoped he would do before their eyes. With regards to the fee, whoever agreed to this £10million release clause should be sacked, despite the £4million profit the club are set to make. Merino is clearly worth more than that despite his tough season, and the club are not getting anything out of this deal in reality.
