Impossible’ Mikel Merino truth revealed even after Newcastle diehards left their mark

Mikel Merino did not forget the impact Newcastle United supporters had on him during their year together, but Rafa Benitez has revealed why it was ‘difficult’ for the Magpies to hold onto the midfield player.

Mikel Merino was “impossible” for Newcastle United to hang onto, according to Rafa Benitez.

Seven years ago, Merino was brought to St James’ Park by Benitez, and the midfield player made an immediate impression. In fact, Merino’s loan from Borussia Dortmund was extended after he started six of Newcastle’s first seven games of the season.

But Merino later had an unfortunate back injury—which he called the worst of his career—and found it difficult to return to the squad. In 2018, Real Sociedad took use of Merino’s €12 million release clause, having previously given his compatriot hope that Benitez would eventually let him join a Basque team.

Benitez said to AS that Mikel was “another type of bet.” “We persuaded him to come, and we understood right once that his stay at Newcastle would be brief. The plan was for him to provide us with quality and persuade him to extend his contract, but because of his caliber and Basque heritage, he was an irreplaceable player.”

Anyone who worked with the gifted midfielder at Newcastle won’t have been surprised by Merino’s development in the intervening years. Rob Elliot, Merino’s former teammate, even went so far as to say that Merino might play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Since then, Merino has established himself as a mainstay in the Spain team, assisted Sociedad in winning their first trophy in almost 25 years, and experienced what it’s like to be in the Champions League knockout rounds. But Merino’s twelve months on Tyneside will always remain in his memory.

“What a fantastic city. I was enjoying myself just strolling around the city center, enjoying the conversation with strangers, and enjoying a pint. I felt fantastic.

“It was unfortunate that I was unable to play more games and take advantage of the supporters and the league to the fullest, but looking back, I see that year as really significant for me. I gained a lot of knowledge.

“I’m positive that my time in Newcastle and all the experiences I had there shaped me into the player I am today. I’m overjoyed to have experienced it, and I hope every Newcastle supporter has the best possible year.”

The 2023–24 season for Newcastle United is now finished. It was an eventful year marked by the club’s return to the Champions League, expensive additions, several injuries, and a protracted suspension for one of Eddie Howe’s main players. Our season review special documents and analyzes everything of it—the highs and lows, the games that broke records, and that amazing win over Paris Saint-Germain.

In-depth analysis, exclusive interviews with Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes, reviews of each month of the campaign, and several photo specials showcasing fans at home and on the road are all included in this journal.

Our authors select their best players, discuss the takeaways and where that incredible PSG victory falls in the history of United’s biggest European victories. You can get it in our online store here for just £3.50.

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