Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has cast his St James’ Park future into doubt after comments the player has made on a Spanish radio station.
The 21-year-old U21 Spanish international moved to St James’ Park from Borussia Dortmund on loan last summer before the deal was made permanent for£8million.
But after a promising start to life at the Magpies a back injury forced him onto the sidelines and as a result, he has not managed to recapture anything like his early season form.
Despite having a contract with the club until 2022 it would appear that after his latest comments Merino’s eye may already be at the exit door by admitting that he could leave.
As quoted in the Newcastle Chronicle via Marca Navarra, he said: “Every market there are rumours of all kinds – we are in that section of football at this time, and I take it that way.
“Right now what I want is to enjoy the holidays with my family and what happens will happen, but now I just focus on enjoying myself.
“I’m not worried about what happens; if something happens then the agents will call my parents and they communicate it to me, but I’m not spending all day waiting for the mobile to ring.”
OPINION
Merino was left on the bench at the end of the season for the matches against Chelsea and Tottenham as it looked as though Rafa Benitez was losing faith in the Spaniard. But prior to that, and his return to the side following a back injury in October, he was given 90 minutes of action just three more times. The 21-year-old may be talking about a potential switch on the cards, which will not impress his manager, but we cannot see him leaving so soon. Merino clearly has the ability and the potential to go far in the game but his dip in form coincided with the Magpies poor run of results – given an opportunity to play in a side which should be improved next season, then we reckon he will be one of Newcastle’s top players next season and in the coming years – but he has to show he has the grit and determination to get past this tricky stage in his development.