OPINION
One of the biggest issues at Newcastle United this summer has been the future of young Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who is considering his future on Tyneside.
The 22-year-old joined on an initial loan from Borussia Dortmund last summer before a £6million permanent deal was struck in October, but his impressive start to the season tailed off badly as he spent the vast majority of the campaign on the sidelines.
Reports have linked the midfielder with a move back to La Liga this summer, with five clubs said to be in hot pursuit of the youngster.
The latest report from newspaper AS claims that Merino is set to decide his future next week after he returns from his holiday on Monday, with Real Sociedad in the lead for his signature in a deal potentially worth £13.1million.
It is said that the 22-year-old has grown frustrated by his lack of game time at Newcastle, and is desperate to leave in search of minutes.
Newcastle legend Malcolm Macdonald has now waded into the debate about his future, calling on the club to sacrifice Merino this summer in an attempt to raise funds for their striker hunt.
In a column for the Chronicle, he said: “If it comes to the crunch I won’t mind if Newcastle sacrifice Mikel Merino in order to get a top-quality striker. Merino seems to be determined to manufacture a move out of England after having his head turned back home in Spain. Well, if that’s the case then United should take £20m and top-up their striker pot.”
Manager Rafa Benitez must however ignore this advice from Macdonald and keep hold of Merino this summer.
The young Spaniard has the potential to become a legend at St. James’ Park, with his quality on the ball rarely seen in those parts for several years.
A lacklustre first season is in many ways to be expected for a young player just making his way in the Premier League, and if he is handled in the right way then there is no reason why he cannot push on to become a key player for the Magpies in 2018/19.
The suggestion that Merino’s sale could fund a striker deal is correct, but there are other players such as Chancel Mbemba and Henri Saivet who should first be offloaded before the sale of Merino is even considered.
A deal for a quality striker does not depend on an exit for Merino, and therefore the two situations must remain separate for Benitez.
Unless Newcastle receive an astronomical offer close to £20million, then there is no way Benitez should listen to Macdonald and sell the young Spaniard on this summer.