Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino is just days away from an exit away from St James’ Park, according to a report.
The Chronicle has revealed that the 22-year-old, who only arrived on Tyneside last summer from Borussia Dortmund, is set to head back to his homeland to join Real Sociedad in a quickfire exit after failing to hold down a first-team place under Rafa Benitez.
Merino began the season promisingly but was usurped of his position in the side courtesy of Mo Diame’s fine form and partnership alongside Jonjo Shelvey, following a back injury which saw him miss a few games.
The Spain U21 international has a contract in the North East until 2022 but the La Liga side will activate the player’s £10million release clause by the end of the week.
Good move for Newcastle?
Actually, no.
Merino is a top young midfielder and showed the quality he had in the early moments of the season, and while Diame did perform well, there is every chance that he could revert to mediocrity once more – in which case Newcastle could be in serious trouble in the upcoming campaign.
Benitez ought to have given more of an opportunity to his fellow countryman and shown him how key he could have been to the team.
Fans will undoubtedly be disappointed to see the Spaniard exit as he was well liked by the Newcastle faithful after impressing them early on.
Nothing but Newcastle verdict: 4/10
Likely to happen?
There is too much transfer talk surrounding Merino’s future now that there is no chance that the midfielder won’t leave Newcastle now.
He wants to play first-team football and he is not getting that at St James’ so it is just a matter of waiting now until a transfer between the two parties is completed.
Nothing but Newcastle verdict: 9.5/10
