After an up and down season with Newcastle United, Merino left the club for Real Sociedad.
For the past few months, there has been speculation midfielder Mikel Merino would leave Newcastle United to return to his native Spain and play in La Liga. Then, the rumors intensified that he would be joining Real Sociedad. Now, the move is official.
On Thursday, Newcastle United and Merino both confirmed the move to Sociedad. The midfielder played one season with the Magpies. But, that one season seemed like a couple different campaigns for Merino. The 22-year-old arrived last offseason from Borussia Dortmund on a loan to buy deal with very little fanfare. He was expected to provide depth and competition in the midfield. Starting in Jonjo Shelvey’s absence due to suspension, he immediately won over Toon Army and the Newcastle staff with his skill on the ball and passing vision. They picked up the option to purchase him outright shortly after.
Unfortunately, he suffered a serious back injury and took awhile to get back. Once he did return, he looked a step slow and didn’t seem to have the confidence in his ability that he had to start the season. Merino was never able to push past the in-form duo of Shelvey and Mohamed Diame. He finished his lone NUFC season with 24 appearances, one goal, and one assist.
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Now, it seems he will get a chance to continue his career in Spain with Newcastle United reportedly making 10 million from his release clause. Expecting his departure, they also added Ki Sung-yueng to replace him. The competition in the defensive midfield will be between Shelvey, Diame, Ki, and Isaac Hayden. Newcastle United have also been linked to players like Stefano Sturaro of Juventus. The loss of Mikel Merino is frustrating due to his age and potential, but it is not at all the end of the world for Newcastle United.