Mikel Merino - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Mikel Merino is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team.
- 2. He was born on June 22, 1996, in Pamplona, Spain.
- 3. Merino began his youth career at hometown club Osasuna before joining the youth academy of Athletic Bilbao.
- 4. He made his professional debut for Athletic Bilbao in 2014 but was soon loaned out to CD Mirandes and subsequently to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
- 5. Merino impressed during his time at Borussia Dortmund and was signed by Newcastle United in 2017 for a reported fee of around £7 million.
- 6. He made 24 appearances for Newcastle in the Premier League before joining Real Sociedad on loan in 2018. The move was made permanent in 2019.
- 7. Merino has represented Spain at various youth levels, including the U19 and U21 teams. He made his senior debut for the national team in 2018.
- 8. Known for his technical ability, passing range, and intelligence on the field, Merino has been praised for his composure and maturity beyond his years.
- 9. He has been a key player for Real Sociedad, helping the team qualify for European competitions and competing against some of the best teams in La Liga.
- 10. Merino's versatility allows him to play in multiple positions in midfield, making him a valuable asset for both club and country.