FC Barcelona was in the pursuit to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in this summer transfer window. However, as per Marca, Barcelona might not be able to secure Merino’s service due to his high transfer value.
Mikel Merino started his football career from the youth ranks of Osasuna and spent 4 years in Spain. Following which he spent another two seasons in Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United. Moreno was able to reach his heights after he signed for Real Sociedad in 2018. La Real paid a sum of €10 million to land the midfielder.
Since his addition, Merino has been the mainstay for Sociedad in the midfield. The Spanish player has appeared 111 times for La Real while chipping in 12 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. His form this season also helped Real Sociedad to finish 5th in the La Liga table securing a Europa League spot for next season.
Following his progress in the last few years, Merino was able to attract the interest of Barcelona this summer. However, Real Sociedad are in no hurry to let go of their talented midfielder. Mikel Merino has still three years left in his contract which will make him stay at La Real until 2025. The midfielder also has a 60 million release clause in his contract if any club approaches to buy him.
Barcelona should forget about buying Mikel Merino
The Catalan manager is looking to restructure his team after failing to lift more than one trophy this season. Barcelona are having a busy transfer window, as they are looking for players at low prices for every position in the team. Till now they have announced three transfers, signing Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero, and Memphis Depay as free agents. While they paid €9 million to land Emerson Royal for their backline.
However, the decision to sign a new and young defensive midfielder still hangs on their heads. Barcelona are in the market to replace Sergio Busquets next season, following his age. The Catalans had made a verbal agreement to sign Georginio Wijnaldum as a free agent as their new midfield addition.
But, the French giants Paris Saint-Germain hijacked Wijnaldum from Barcelona by offering him a high-earning deal. Due to which the Catalans are again back to square one regarding the midfield issue.
It is rumored that Barcelona are interested in signing Fabian Ruiz, but it may not be possible due to the high transfer fee. And the same situation arises in buying Mikel Merino. The Catalans are in no condition to offer 60 million to Real Sociedad to land the central midfielder.
Barcelona are in a serious financial crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic situation has made them go under a 1 billion debt this season. Following which they are forced to sign free agents or players with low fees in the transfer window. So, let’s see if Barcelona would consider a move to replace Busquets next season. If not, then Ronald Koeman has to have faith in the 32-year-old.
