OPINION
Newcastle United fans are set for bitter disappointment when it comes to the future of Mikel Merino after a stunning £10.5million release clause was revealed to be part of his contract.
The Spanish midfielder has not even been at St James’ Park for a year after joining from Borussia Dortmund, initially on loan, but an exit just 12 months on has already been touted after a hit-and-miss campaign on Tyneside.
When first dropped into the starting XI, the 22-year-old impressed with his range of passing, speed and vision, as well as looking well suited to the Premier League with an imposing physical presence.
Injuries, as well as the form of both Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame, set his playing time back and with a season in England under his belt, it looks as though it could be a short stay in the north east of England.
ESPN journalist Eduardo Fdez-Abascal, claims on his personal Twitter account that the midfield ace ahs chosen Real Sociedad as his next club, as well as revealing that the former Dortmund man, who put pen to paper on a long term deal months after arriving temporarily, has a £10.5million (€12million) release clause in the paperwork which hands the Magpies a major bombshell in keeping a hold of him.
Mikel Merino wants to join Real Sociedad. Sevilla, Athletic and Betis were also interested but he prefers a move to San Sebastian. Newcastle will have no choice but to cash in if Real agree to meet his release clause, set at around €12m. #Newcastle #nufc https://t.co/Cgyd7eQ76h
— Eduardo Fdez-Abascal (@efabascal) June 25, 2018
Merino might not have hit the expected heights consistently but on his day he looked a force to be reckoned with, and there would no doubt have been expectations for him to push off with a season of experience under his belt.
However fans now face an inevitable blow thanks to the stunning revelation of a release clause, and it is not the way the Toon Army would have wanted their summer to kick off.