Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino has been linked with Athletic Bilbao in the summer transfer window.
According to AS, Spanish club Athletic Bilbao are interested in signing the 21-year-old from Newcastle in the summer transfer window (click here to read more).
In an extensive interview with AS, as translated by ChronicleLive, the Spain Under-21 international midfielder has said that he could go back to playing in La Liga someday.
Merino further said: “The fact that both Athletic and other teams are playing is a sign that you are doing things right.
“I am very grateful for the interest they put in each market because it means that I’m doing things right.”
The youngster said when asked about playing at Athletic’s San Mames: “You can never guess where you are going to play.”
Hint at a summer move?
Merino is a very good and talented young midfielder, but his recent performances have not been great.
The youngster has made 14 starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League for Newcastle so far this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process.
Merino’s comments do suggest that he could be open to a move to Athletic, if not in the summer transfer window then perhaps in the coming years.
From loan deal to permanent move
The Spanish midfielder joined Newcastle on loan from German club Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017.
In October 2017, Rafael Benitez’s secured the services of Merino on a permanent contract for a transfer fee reported by The Sun to be worth £6.5 million.
According to Spotrac.com, Merino earns £35,000 per week as salary at Newcastle.
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