Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino might be the best signing that the Txuri-Urdin can make this summer, with contract talks ongoing for the 27-year-old. After six years in Donostia-San Sebastian, he has been heavily linked with an exit.
Merino has been a key part of Imanol Alguacil’s side since he arrived, and in recent weeks, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have all been credited with interest in the Spanish international. His deal is up in 2025, and if La Real cannot find a new deal, the likelihood is that he moves this summer.
Despite those links and a reported price tag of €40-45m, Relevo say that Real Sociedad are relaxed about the matter, due to the multiple occasions on which Merino has insisted that he is both happy at La Real and open to signing a new deal. They claim that both sides are convinced they will reach a deal, as they gradually move towards a compromise. For his part, Merino still believes in a project led by Alguacil, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal.
This does contradict previous reporting on the matter, which had claimed that Merino was interested in taking the next step in his career and trying out a different experience. If he is to make another major move, then it seems likely to occur in the next 12 months.
