Barcelona signing 23-year-old would sting for Newcastle

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Barcelona are interested in signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, according to Sport.

Apparently Barca are starting to think about life after Sergio Busquets, who is now 30 years old.

The Spaniard has given many brilliant years for the club after bursting onto the scene in 2008 and has helped the team win a host of trophies.

He doesn’t have too many years left at the top of his game, and it would make sense for Barca to begin looking for his replacement – and apparently Merino could be an option for the Spanish champions.

The club have already signed Frenkie de Jong, but want to see how the Dutchman fits.

Certainly if Merino does end up signing for Barcelona at some point, it will be a real kick in the teeth for Newcastle United.

TBR’s view

The Magpies sold Merino to Real Sociedad last summer after just one season, with the club triggering his release clause (believed to be €12 million/£10 million according to El Correo).

Merino’s exit did not go down well with all fans, with many feeling he should have been handed more minutes by Rafa Benitez.

The star suffered a back injury in the 2017/18 season and lost his place in the side.

Merino showed glimpses of his ability at St. James’ Park but was allowed to leave nine months after signing.

If he goes ahead and signs for Barcelona as a replacement for Busquets, then it would surely suggest Newcastle made a big error inserting such a low release clause, and that Benitez might have slept on a gem.