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Tom OlverPublished Mar 22, 2024, 2:57pm|Updated Mar 22, 2024, 2:58pm
Mikel Merino has brushed off rumours of a possible move to Manchester United and insists he is solely focussed on enjoying a successful end to the season with Real Sociedad.
After an underwhelming one-year spell at Newcastle United, Merino has established himself as one of the top midfielders in La Liga and is expected to be a part of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad at this summer’s European Championships.
Merino has played a key role in Real Sociedad securing European football over the last four years and the 27-year-old is desperate to do the same this term, with the club currently sitting sixth in the table.
This season, Merino has racked up three goals and three assists in the Spanish top flight, while also netting twice in the Champions League, and his eye-catching displays have reportedly caught the attention of Europe’s elite.
The Spain international has entered into the last 18 months of his current deal in San Sebastian and Manchester United are reportedly ready to pounce, with Manchester City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid also credited with an interest in the Spaniard.
Speaking to Marca, Merino stressed that he would not allow the incessant speculation over his future impact his performances on the pitch as he targets more ‘history’ with La Real this season.
‘The only thing I have in mind is to finish the season well,’ he said when asked for an update on his contract situation.
‘That [contract negotiations] is for my representative and the president to carry out.
‘During all these years I have shown total commitment and in these final months of the season I want to make sure that Real Sociedad are where they deserve, which is playing in Europe.
‘I want to make history with the club. It would be five consecutive seasons of qualifying for Europe, something that no one has achieved. It would bring great pride to achieve it.’
Despite the uncertainty over his contract situation, Merino is enjoying life in the ‘spectacular’ and ‘beautiful’ city of San Sebastian.
‘We live very well, very well. It is a spectacular city,’ he added.
‘They leave you in peace, you can sit on a terrace, walk around… it’s beautiful.
‘And for those of us who like gastronomy… it is one of the best places in the world to live.’
Merino reportedly has a €60million (£51m) release clause in his contract and Real Sociedad could be tempted to sell their prized possession for a cut-price fee in the summer considering he could leave on a free transfer in 2025.
The former Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund man has scored 26 goals in 234 games for La Real and was a part of the club’s Copa del Rey-winning side of 2019/20.
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