According to reports in Spain, Man City are prepared to meet Mikel Merino’s £50m releasee clause to bring the former Newcastle United man back to England this summer.
This comes from El Confidencial, who claim the 25-year-old is a ‘top target’ for Pep Guardiola after another impressive season at Real Sociedad.
Merino showed real glimpses of quality during his 12 months on Tyneside, but has taken his game to new heights ever since he swapped St James’ Park for Spain back in 2018.
He’s racked up 11 appearances for Spain, helped Real Sociedad finish 5th in La Liga last year and is now considered to be one of the division’s best midfielders.
Spanish outlet Fichajes actually released a piece yesterday claiming Newcastle were keen to re-sign Merino this summer, although Liverpool and Barcelona were also named as admirers.
His short stint in the North-East may have fizzled out in the end, with a back injury causing problems before Real Sociedad met a hidden £11m release clause, but he did show plenty glimpses of serious quality during his brief spell in England.
Considering he’s since went on to be a big hit in Spain, I wouldn’t be all that surprised if Man City were keen!
