Fabrizio Romano: Former Newcastle midfielder identified as top Barcelona target

According to Fabrizio Romano, former Mag Mikel Merino has been identified as a key summer target for Barcelona after another impressive season for Real Sociedad. 

Merino played just 25 games for Newcastle before moving back to his native Spain, though it was clear that the midfielder had serious potential and could’ve become a Premier League star had he stayed.

However, things didn’t quite work out at the time and the 27-year-old moved back to his homeland, where he’s shone for Real Sociedad, ended the 2023/24 La Liga season in sixth and secured a place at Euro 2024 alongside former Mags Joselu and Ayoze Perez.

Not only are Barcelona keen on his signature, Romano also reports that Juventus are keeping a close eye on the former Borussia Dortmund man and could make a move if they fail to land Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.

🔵🔴 Mikel Merino, concrete option now on Barça list for the new midfielder as @tjuanmarti reported.

Deco appreciates him, Merino will be one of the names considered.

↪️ Understand he’s also appreciated by Juventus but their priority target is clear: Teun Koopmeiners. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/THjp7WF0Jw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2024

It’s a shame Merino’s time on Tyneside was so brief, but great to see the Spaniard’s career thriving almost six years on from his exit.

Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/06/07/fabrizio-romano-former-newcastle-midfielder-identified-as-top-barcelona-target/

Author : Andrew Reynolds

Publish date : 2024-06-07 18:47:49

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