When Mikel Merino joined Newcastle United from Borussia Dortmund, it seems the next step was already on the midfielder’s mind.
Merino secured himself an exit clause and in the run up to the summer transfer window, it was clear several Spanish clubs had been made aware of it. The midfielder and his agents were able to sit back and let clubs come forward with the best proposals.
Leaving Newcastle, Merino was able to choose the best option for him both in a sporting and financial sense.
After appearing close to Real Betis and others at various stages, the 22 year old ended up joining Real Sociedad and believes it was the right choice for his career.
In a post transfer interview with Marca, Merino has explained his reasoning for the summer transfer, or at least the reasoning he wants out there.
The former Newcastle player is quoted as saying: “Being with the team, I realised that it was a good choice. Not only for the teammates and the club, also in general. For the facilities, the people around or the culture. The type of person in the environment is ideal and I feel very comfortable. I’m very happy.”
On being distracted by transfer rumours, Merino said: “Summers, I take them very calmly although there are always rumours. I do not usually get nervous about these issues. “It’s my free time and I have to relax my mind to have a good time with my family. Both my representatives and I know that until there is something serious the subject is not talked about, so I enjoy my family and my friends.”
