Mikel Merino has ‘confessed to his inner circle’ that he wants to leave Newcastle United and return to Spain this summer, report Seville newspaper Estadio Deportivo.
It’s explained that after ‘bittersweet’ experiences with Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United, Merino is keen to take the chance to debut in La Liga.
Real Betis, Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Bilbao are all named as keen, and this is a situation which has been rumbling on in Spain for a while now.
In May, Merino had a chance to rubbish the rumours, but preferred to sit on the fence: “Every market there are rumours of all kinds, we are in that section of football at this time, and I take it that way. Right now what I want is to enjoy the holidays with my family and what happens, will happen, but now I just focus on enjoying myself. I’m not worried about what happens, if something happens the agents call my parents and they communicate it to me, but I’m not spending all day waiting for the mobile.”
Estadio Deportivo say Merino plans talks with Rafael Benitez to try and make a transfer easier. At this stage, it’s explained the footballer has no plans to submit a transfer request.
West Ham’s Adrian San Miguel has also been linked with a move to Betis, and he’s been asked about Merino potentially joining the club.
The West Ham stopped played for Betis before moving to the Premier League, and thinks Merino would be a good signing: “Merino seems to me a quite complete footballer, he started very strong at Newcastle but then the injuries have not let him have continuity, he is one of those players that goes from area to area, he would be a good incorporation for the team.”
