Newcastle United chiselled a productive transfer window this summer after their promotion to English top flight. Keeping themselves within the rendezvous zone would be their yardstick this season and in order to do so, the Magpies made some stupendous signings in the shapes of Jacob Murphy, Javier Manquillo, Joselu, Florian Lejeune, Christian Atsu and Mikel Merino.
Frankly speaking, their arsenal looks pretty solid on paper after their new acquisitions. One of the players who have already started to prove his mettle after his move to St. James’ Park is Merino. Signed on loan for a £1million loan fee from German Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund, the Toon have an option of signing him permanently for £6million, provided he bags 20 appearances for the black and white.
In one of his latest interviews, the Spaniard implied that he is very open to make a permanent switch and considering the productivity he has manoeuvred so far, it could be a huge signing for Newcastle United. Merino emerged through the youth ranks of CD Amigo and Osasuna and soon made it to Osasuna B side. Eventually, he paved his way to the first team of the Reds during the 2014-15 season and cemented his place with the Spanish outfit.
As a result, he fell on the radar of many top quality sides, including Borussia Dortmund and the Black and Yellows made him sign on the dotted line in the January transfer window of 2016. In 3 Premier League appearances after moving to Rafael Benitez’s side, the 21-year-old has inked 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 clearances and 0.3 blocks per game on average and has shown a lot of promise.
Spain has been perennially known for producing fantastic midfielders as it stands at this stroke of hour, Merino appears to be someone who would continue the trend. The Spanish U21 international has a keen eye of making meticulous passes, reads the game in a very shrewd manner and has the requisite pace in his legs too. Besides, he toils relentlessly throughout the pitch, which is a testament of his tremendous work-ethic.
Merino boasts of a strong physical presence in the air, is characterized by his outstanding quality of ball-winning and is also a good presser of the ball. His endeavours with the Geordies would be a learning curve for him and if he keeps hitting the right chords this season, Newcastle United would definitely be tempted to sign him permanently next summer.
