Real Madrid have been interested in adding a midfielder this summer, following which they targeted Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino. But as per the latest reports, Madrid are forced to drop their plans regarding Merino after La Real asked €51 million.
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. However, the 25-year-old was able to show his potential after Real Sociedad signed him for €10 million in 2018.
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. While his form in the last season has been the main talking in the transfer market. Merino appeared 26 times last season for La Real in which he helped them finish 5th in the La Liga securing a Europa League spot for next season.
Following his progress in the last 12 months, Merino was able to attract interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, Real Sociedad are in no hurry to let go of their talented midfielder. As Mikel Merino had signed a new contract with La Real last July which will make him stay until 2025. While Real Sociedad have also inserted a €60 million release clause in Merino’s contract.
Real Madrid’s plan to secure Mikel Merino has failed due to his price
Real Madrid are in a transitional period as they begin their new life under Carlo Ancelotti next season. And as a part of the transition, the Italian is trying to reinforce some young midfielders to replace the old ones.
Luka Modric, Madrid’s main man in the midfield last season, is in the final phase of his career being a 35-year-old. While his midfield partner Toni Kroos has talked about retiring from football in the next few years. Following which Madrid is looking to sign a new midfielder who can get accustomed to the club-style before both of them leaves.
Following this situation, Los Blancos kept the 25-year-old Mikel Merino on their radar for signing him from Real Sociedad. But, La Real have made clear about wanting a price of €51 million in order to let go of their star midfielder.
Madrid are in no condition to pay that amount for only one midfielder, due to their poor financial condition. Following which Real Madrid have dropped the plans to sign Mikel Merino this summer. However, it’s not particularly bad news for the Madrid fans as due to this decision. As now, Ancelotti needs to include Martin Odegaard and Antonio Blanco in his plans for next season.
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