Premier League strugglers Newcastle United were forced to sell Mikel Merino in July when La Liga outfit Real Sociedad triggered his release clause.
It is six months since Mikel Merino left Newcastle United, returning to Spain after Real Sociedad triggered the affordable £10.5 million release clause in his contract.
Speaking to the Chronicle on Tuesday, the 22-year-old admitted that he was missing life on Tyneside and will forever remain a fan of the club who gave him his chance in English football after he fell out of favour at Borussia Dortmund.
And, in the eyes of some Newcastle fans, Merino would be welcomed back at St James’ Park with open arms.
Newcastle had no choice but to sell due to the release clause in his contract but its tempting to wonder what he would have achieved during a second season in England, particularly if he got over the injury problems that dogged his final few months in the north east.
On the other hand, though, Merino’s departure sped up the emergence of a certain Sean Longstaff, the North Shields-born midfielder who has been an absolute revelation since forcing his way into the first-team squad at the turn of the year.
Swings and roundabouts.
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