Sky Sports confirms imminent transfer at NUFC - Player has already said goodbye to teammates
Sky Sports have confirmed that Mikel Merino's £10m release clause has now been activated by Real Sociedad, with the midfielder now on his way to Spain to complete a return to La Liga.
It has also been confirmed by the Chronicle that Merino has already said goodbye to his teammates - less than a year on from completing his permanent move to St James' Park.
https://twitter.com/SkySports_Keith/status/1014885634937417735
It's a shame really, but it's a move that's felt almost inevitable for several weeks now.
I'm disappointed in Merino as much as anything else. He has been replaced already - although Ki may seem an underwhelming replacement in comparison to a Spanish U-21 international who had a bright future ahead of him - however I question why he and his team demanded a release clause of just £10m when he signed last year.
To me, it shows that he never really saw Newcastle as a long-term destination and we can't afford to keep players whose heart isn't in it.
Since Ki arrived on a free, let's hope we now spend this £10m well.
