Ayoze Perez disappointed at Mikel Merino’s Newcastle exit

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Mikel Merino has left Newcastle United for Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has admitted to The Chronicle that he is sad at the departure of Mikel Merino from the club.

Merino has left Premier League club Newcastle to move to La Liga outfit Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window.

According to Sky Sports, the Spanish side had to pay the Magpies a transfer fee of £10 million in order to secure the services of the 22-year-old.

Newcastle forward Perez – who earns £45,000 per week as salary, according to Spotrac.com – has admitted that he was disappointed to see his fellow Spaniard leave St. James’ Park this summer.

Perez told The Chronicle: “Mikel Merino is a great friend, as well as being a team-mate. Outside of football, we spent a lot of time together and I am sad to see him leave.

“But at the end of the day it’s his decision, he has to look out for what is best for him. I’m sad to see him leave, but still we are good friends and I wish him all the best at Sociedad.”

Moving on

Much was expected of Merino when he arrived at Newcastle last summer, but the 22-year-old Spaniard did not have a great time at the Magpies.

The former Osasuna and Borussia Dortmund midfielder made 14 starts and 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League for Rafael Benitez’s side last season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process.

One suspects that Newcastle will not miss Merino.