The football calendar has slowed down with the EURO 2024 Final behind us. Only a handful of leagues in Eastern Europe (Poland, Bulgaria, and Serbia to name a few) are still in action. As a result, there is not much to report about in terms of matches.
However, the football world never truly rests. There are endless transfer rumours and deals, both expected and surprising, as we approach the start of the 2024/25 season for Europe’s top five leagues. One player making headlines is Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino – who has recently been linked to Barcelona and Arsenal. But what’s driving this interest?
| Name | Mikel Merino Zazón |
| Date of Birth | 22 June 1996 (28 y/o) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Current Club | Real Sociedad |
| Former Clubs | Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, |
| Transfer Value | €50M |
| National Team | Spain, 28 caps |
Merino’s Rise: From Bundesliga Benchwarmer to La Liga Star
Mikel Merino’s journey in football has been marked by a series of moves that reflect both his potential and his search for the right fit. He rose through the youth ranks of Osasuna’s academy, where his talent began to shine.
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