‘Gutted’ - Most Newcastle fans ready to bid farewell to St. James’ Park ace

The Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern have been coming to terms with the fact that Mikel Merino is off this summer. The Spanish midfielder had a £10 million release clause in his contract and that’s reportedly been met by Real Sociedad and according to The Chronicle, he’ll be departing the club in the next 48 hours.

Merino latest. Exit will be confirmed within 48 hours.https://t.co/6ZYqtLKQD9

— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) July 5, 2018

Merino is a strange case. The Spaniard joined the club from Borussia Dortmund last summer, initially on-loan, and triggered a clause in his loan contract in October that meant he became a permanent signing for the Magpies. However, it’s become apparent that when agreeing to terms on a permanent deal at St James Park the ambitious young Spaniard insisted on having a release clause inserted.

The Geordies have now been bitten by that clause though as they’re set to lose out on a fan favourite to La Liga. The midfielder scored a single a goal and registered just as many assists in his year with the club in a season that was marred by a back injury. The Spaniard was also unlucky to get back to form at the same time that both Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame were taking no prisoners in midfield as the club surged to a 10th place Premier League finish.

You can read our local Geordies’ verdict on Merino here: