Mikel Merino could replace the legendary Sergio Busquets at Barcelona three years after Newcastle United sold him to Real Sociedad, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Speaking to The Guardian in February, the gifted midfielder insisted he had no regrets about his time at St James’ Park. Such a stance is unlikely to be reflected by many Newcastle supporters, however.
It was obvious from day one there was something special about Merino.
A classy, left-footed playmaker, the former Dortmund youngster made an immediate impression on Tyneside in 2017/18, netting the winner against Crystal Palace only weeks into his Newcastle career.
Just 12 months and 25 games later, however, Merino was heading back to Spain to join Real Sociedad in a £10 million deal.
If Newcastle could turn the clock back, you’d think they would have done a lot more to keep hold of a man who, these days, would swagger into Steve Bruce’s starting XI without breaking sweat.
Since 2018, Merino has blossomed into one of the finest central midfielders in La Liga, earning six caps for Spain since his international debut in 2020.
And, according to MD, the Pamplona-born bull is one of the leading candidates to succeed three-time Champions League winner Busquets at the base of Barcelona’s midfield.
Whether the cash-strapped Kings of Catalonia can afford the Prince of San Sebastian, however, is another matter. There’s a £50 million release clause in Merino’s contract.
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