OPINION
Newcastle United fan favourite Mikel Merino has reportedly dropped a bombshell on Tyneside, telling Rafa Benitez that he wants to leave the club for Athletic Bilbao.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Bilbao are ready to pounce after the 21-year-old informed Benitez of his desire to return home to the Basque country.
The football news website claim that Merino has become unsettled at the club after failing to nail down a first-team place after making his move from Borussia Dortmund permanent in October.
This report comes as a surprise after Merino gave a long interview recently claiming that he was happy in Newcastle and hoped to stay at the club a long time.
If this exit bombshell report is true and Merino does indeed want to leave the club, then Benitez must play hardball with his young compatriot and keep him at the Magpies this summer.
If Merino insists on leaving, then Benitez must not give in to his demands, as so many clubs now do in a market dominated by player power.
The young Spaniard must be convinced that St. James’ Park, not the home comforts of the Basque country, is the place to continue his development.
Merino has shown glimpses of his talent during his time at Newcastle, and many will tell you that the youngster has the ability to go on and become a seriously good player.
Newcastle cannot afford to lose someone like that, and Merino’s demands must not be met this summer.
Furthermore, Newcastle showed faith in Merino when they shelled out £8million to take him permanently from Borussia Dortmund in October, and he must now repay that trust in kind.
Fans at St. James’ Park immediately warmed to the 21-year-old Spaniard and have backed him to the hilt this season despite some faltering displays, and he must again repay that faith.
Benitez himself has even spoken glowingly about Merino and his first season, and the midfielder needs to stick around at the club to help Newcastle climb the Premier League table next season.