Paul Mitchell has said that we would only make one or two high-profile additions during this transfer window, with a new center-back and right winger being the likely top objectives. Despite this, I don’t think our midfield is still without a player for the upcoming year.
With the forced absence of regular starter Elliott Anderson and a season marred by injuries that saw us frequently start 17-year-old Lewis Miley—who is hurt again—in the middle of the park, it’s reasonable to say Newcastle would be wise to sign another central midfield player rather than relying solely on injury luck now that Joe Willock and Joelinton are back from long-term issues.
Resurrecting former magpie Mikel Merino would be the best addition for this position, should the finances let it. Rumor has it that he is available for about €25 million (£21 million) this summer.
After his successful Euro 2024 campaign, Merino will most likely be in great demand. In the quarterfinal, he scored the game-winning goal in the 119th minute to eliminate hosts Germany from the competition.
Where he fits in right now is a point of contention. Joelinton is back to full fitness, and Sandro Tonali has returned, but we don’t have a natural No. 6 behind Bruno Guimaraes, and he could feel he still has business in England. Although it is unrealistic and ambitious, Newcastle needs strength in depth if we are to break through the “big six” and reclaim a spot in the Champions League.
Many members of our fan base won’t be surprised by Merino’s professional accomplishments because, upon arriving from Dortmund in 2017, he was embraced by the crowd almost immediately. After becoming an immediate fixture in our midfield throughout our dismal opening to the 17–18 campaign, Merino’s initial loan agreement was swiftly extended to a permanent contract.
After a brief injury layoff heading into the second half of the season, Newcastle was able to secure some much-needed league form when Mo Diame took Mikel’s place in the middle of the park. After a spell of bad play for the club, Diame appeared to morph into a prime Patrick Viera overnight, and his partnership with an equally good Jonjo Shelvey prevented Merino from being included in the starting lineup when he returned.
Given that Merino is now seen as the player who got away, our fan base would almost universally welcome a Newcastle offer for him as interest in him heats up and Arsenal is reportedly setting up a proposal.
It’s a fantastic deal if the £21 million price tag is accurate. Merino may be open to a return should we make an offer, considering how positively he has spoken about his time at Newcastle and the advancements we have made since then.
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