Newcastle United: The mixed signals of Mikel Merino’s transfer situation
By Roy Emanuel
“I met a funny looking girl on a crowded beach in Spain, her name was Avaline. She said she came to Spain, to have a good time.”
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez are currently enjoying their last bit of the international break, before returning to Premier League action next weekend against Huddersfield Town. The Magpies will require maximum effort and focus from all players in order to achieve their goals, though one player’s future on Tyneside has begun to confuse many fans.
Mikel Merino recently stated in an interview with The Chronicle that he is quite content at St. James’ Park, and certainly seems to want to have a future at the club. The 21-year-old aims to impress at Spain’s youth levels, with the objective of the senior national team in his sights.
“I hope that one day that if things go well and I am at the right level I will be there. It would be great if that Spanish cap comes when I am a Newcastle United player. I know I am at a great club and Newcastle is a great place too.”
AS reporting #NUFC are willing to negotiate with Athletic Bilbao over Mikel Merino. Piece is quite speculative, but essentially says Benitez needs cash in the summer and Bilbao have it after selling Laporte to Man City: https://t.co/ww7SFev4IL
— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) March 23, 2018
All of this comes following rumours that La Liga side Athletic Bilbao are keen to sign Merino, and Los Leones have the financial muscle to make that type of deal happen.
The Basque club have plenty of money to spend following the £57-million sale of Aymeric Laporte to Manchester City in January.
Is there enough to keep him?
Merino is providing the answers that he should, and there is no evidence to prove his statements wrong. He appears to have taken to life in the North East and has won over many Toon fans already.
His impact has slowed since Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame have secured the central midfield positions, but there is still a strong role for him to play in Benitez’s side.
The problem that the Magpies may face is the desire for consistent first-team football, especially if he wants a call-up for Spain. At this point, Benitez may not be able to guarantee that even next season for him.
Next: Five Newcastle players who may not return from loans
Mikel Merino has enjoyed periods of positivity during his first Newcastle United campaign. Amidst interest from Athletic Bilbao, it may be difficult for Rafa Benitez to keep the midfielder in his squad this summer.