Despite all the confidence that Real Sociedad are signing Mikel Merino from Newcastle United this summer, there are no expectations for the move to be happening very soon.
Outlet Mundo Deportivo has a story today saying the Magpies are ‘not in a hurry’ to sell the midfielder, and that’s making the process very slow.
The first reason why Newcastle have been waiting is the club’s wish to make the transfer only in July. By doing that, it’s claimed the incomings go to the 2018/19 financial year.
There’s also the matter that Newcastle have many other issues to take care of, and given that Merino’s sale is not a priority, he’s far from being the first in line.
Mundo Deportivo claims that there’s not much Real Sociedad can do. The club are said to be ready to pay the player’s €12m release clause, but unlike in Spain, where the amount is paid to La Liga, the outlet claims that in England the clubs must agree how the transaction is done.
It’s said that Newcastle are being ‘lazy’, as they could delay the documents, just for not having Merino as a priority sale for the summer.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad remain confident that the player is signing, and are being patient about the whole process. The only matter is that he’s probably missing the first few training sessions of their preseason.
