Newcastle United were able to keep Mikel Merino in the Premier League despite links with La Liga giants Athletic Bilbao.
Newcastle United fans would have been breathing a sigh of relief as the transfer window slammed shut, and not just because the club signed the centre-forward and goalkeeper that they so badly needed.
While Islam Slimani and Martin Dubravka signed on at Newcastle, star midfielder Mikel Merino also remained on Tyneside despite intense speculation surrounding a move to Athletic Bilbao.
Spanish publication El Gol Digital reported that the Basque giants had tried to sign Merino during the summer from Borussia Dortmund and were keen again in January. With centre-back Aymeric Laporte heading to Manchester City, Athletic had a cool £57 million to play with, and it seemed they were hoping to spend a chunk of that on Newcastle’s highly-rated midfielder.
Athletic’s rather noble transfer policy means they can only sign players from the Basque region, meaning Merino is one of a few footballers who they could realistically try to lure to the San Mames.
But according to the Chronicle, the Spanish under-21 star will not be going anywhere as long as Rafa Benitez remains on Tyneside. Because it is understood that the manager wants to build his side around Merino for the foreseeable future.
The former Osasuna talent, who moved to St James’ Park for just £7 million after a difficult debut season in Dortmund, has featured in 20 Premier League games this season. And, in truth, he is one of the few players int Magpies’ squad who is clearly good enough for England’s top flight.
Classy, composed and blessed with a wand of a left-boot, there is a reason he has been compared to Benitez’s one-time Liverpool linchpin Xabi Alonso.
And, with Benitez at the helm, Merino could be a key player for years to come.
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