Real Sociedad chief Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that he is hoping to seal a transfer deal for Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino in the coming weeks as he closes in on a swoop.
The Spanish maestro arrived at St James’ Park just last summer, initially on a loan deal, from Borussia Dortmund, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract after impressing in his opening displays.
However, the 6’1″ star’s (source: Transfermarkt) exit a year on seems an inevitability, having made 25 appearances for the Magpies, with Aperribay revealing his hopeful timeline for snapping up the 22-year-old.
The Sociedad president told Spanish publication Marca: We will see in the coming weeks if it can be done and then we have to respect times and ways with his club.
“We are focused on closing the incorporation of Merino for the next season, we have not done it yet.”
Opinion
Losing Merino after just one year will come as a big blow to the Newcastle fans, who would have been hoping he could grow and develop on Tyneside under manager Rafael Benitez. At 22, he is a promising talent and although injury might have stunted his playing time while on Tyneside, he certainly looked to have the ability and attributes to be a success in England. Perhaps the real issue lies in his mind, potentially homesickness after being away from Spain, or even the lack of fight to compete for a first team role, rather than having it being guaranteed. Either way, it is a disappointing end to his short career at Newcastle, but fans will move on and hope to see yet more bright players come in over the summer window, Merino’s sale helping fund their arrivals. A new midfielder must be high up on the shortlist, with just three senior options at Benitez’s disposal if and when the Spanish youngster does leave.