Mikel Merino has disregarded rumors about a potential move to Manchester United and says he is only focused on enjoying a successful end to the season with Real Sociedad.
After a disappointing year at Newcastle United, Merino has become one of the top midfielders in La Liga and is expected to be part of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad at this summer’s European Championships.
Merino has played a crucial role in Real Sociedad securing European football for the past four years and the 27-year-old is eager to do the same this season, with the club currently sixth in the table.
This season, Merino has scored three goals and assisted three times in the Spanish top flight, and also scored twice in the Champions League, and his impressive performances have reportedly caught the attention of top European clubs.
The Spain international has 18 months remaining on his current deal in San Sebastian and Manchester United are reportedly prepared to act, with Manchester City, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid also showing interest in the player.
Speaking to Marca, Merino emphasized that he would not let the constant speculation about his future affect his performances on the field as he aims for 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 handle.
‘Throughout all these years I have shown total commitment and in these final months of the season, I want to ensure that Real Sociedad are where they deserve to be, 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 about his contract, 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 reduced fee in the summer considering he could leave for free in 2025.
The former Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund player has scored 26 goals in 234 games for La Real and was part of the club’s Copa del Rey-winning side in 2019/20.
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