In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo revealed that Barcelona are among the clubs hoping to land Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer. It is believed that the Catalan club would have to rival Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the Spain international this off-season.
Merino’s Impressive Run Of Form In Spanish Football
Merino experienced a decent campaign at the Spanish club as he put in a series of impressive displays at the centre of their midfield. The 28-year-old registered eight goals and earned five assists in 47 matches for Real Sociedad last season on all fronts.
The Spanish midfield ace has been a solid presence at both ends of the field based on his average of 2.4 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in La Liga. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from midfield after making 77.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Spanish club will run out at the end of next season. Therefore, Barcelona could potentially land him on a cut-price deal in this transfer window.
Is Merino A Good Option For Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick?
Merino loves a tackle and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when the opposition are on the offensive and can strike the ball with venom from long range.
The Spanish talent has got the vision to engineer the odd chance for his teammates in the final third and is an energetic runner with the ball. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also play as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so.
We can expect Merino to add more quality and depth to Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick’s midfield department. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the Nou Camp next season.
At 28, Merino is playing in his prime and has got a wealth of experience in La Liga. Thus, he is well-equipped to make an immediate impact at the Catalan club if Flick can devise a way to get a deal done for him before the end of this summer transfer window.
