AS are reporting today that Real Sociedad are “moderately optimistic” about signing Merino this summer.
They are to offer Merino a five-year deal that will make him one of the highest paid player on the books and give him a critical playing role in the side.
There are two other Spanish clubs interested in the player – Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao.
But here’s where things get a little unrealistic – Real Sociedad will offer Newcastle up to a fee of €10M.
Mikel Merino – in action at Liverpool last season
Newcastle paid Borussia Dortmund £7M for him late last summer, and we will want at least twice that amount if he is to be sold this summer.
£7M is about €8.8M so Newcastle would get very little profit if he is sold for €10M.
Here’s a piece from the report in AS:
“Mikel Merino will play in Real Sociedad next season.”
“That is, at least, what they expect at the San Sebastian club, in which there is a moderate optimism with which the Navarre midfielder becomes the first signing of the new stage of Roberto Olabe as Football Director.”
“The player is now on vacation in the United States, is aware of the interest of the Real, but also Betis and Athletic, and intends to decide his future at the end of his vacation.”
“Because he does not want to be all summer pending of what his destiny will be.”
More important news in the article is that Real Sociedad (based in San Sebastien) have not yet negotiated with Newcastle at all, and once they do that potential €10M bid will be blown out of the water – so to speak.
Translation – it will be immediately rejected.
We would be surprised if Rafa lets Mikel Merino leaves Newcastle this summer and certainly not for €10M.
Comments welcome.
6 comments so far
Munster Mag
Jun 18, 2018 at 12:59 PM
Comment #1The concept of losing merino and aggressively chasing ayew is depressing. I know it’s not like for like but…
Tsunki
Jun 18, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Comment #2Jail – I like your “CBA” triumvirate 🙂
It reminds me of that line in Monsters, Inc.
“Oh no – not the CDA!” Now every time I hear of the bumbling threesome pursuing a purchase that’s what I will be hearing ha ha
Munster Mag
Jun 18, 2018 at 1:01 PM
Comment #3Jail to answer ur question, yes I think Brighton etc will out spend us. Its appalling. I wud agree with others, get two good signings than 4 average ones. Also, I am positive that 5mill can buy better than Joselu in Europe, Brazil etc
Munster Mag
Jun 18, 2018 at 1:02 PM
Comment #4Tsunki, am a bit unwell today a day brain is asleep. What’s cba?
Tsunki
Jun 18, 2018 at 1:15 PM
Comment #5I can’t be ……. Bothered to explain ha ha ask Jail he invented it 🙂
dazza
Jun 19, 2018 at 12:57 AM
Comment #6Yes let’s ship off merino for $8m. Great business. And then when Shelvey get a red card in our first game and Diame rediscovers his form from the first 10 years of his career we can play… Hayden. Sorted.