Tottenham plot swoop to sign £52m La Liga star as Postecoglou continues overhaul – report
Tottenham eye move for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino
In order to bolster his midfield, Ange Postecoglou is reportedly planning a deal for Real Sociedad player Mikel Merino, according to Fichajes.
The 27-year-old has a £52 million (€60 million) release clause in his contract, according to the Spanish site, and Tottenham see an opportunity to sign him for a fair price.
Since his arrival in the summer, Postecoglou has been rebuilding the team, and he’ll continue doing so in the coming winter as he looks for a new midfielder. Following his impressive performances for Sociedad, Merino has been a target.
Merino is one of The White and Blues’ most dependable players and is recognized as one of the top midfielders in Spain. Over the course of his 199 appearances in all competitions, he earned 19 goals and 25 assists.
Real Sociedad’s 2019–20 Copa del Rey victory was made possible in large part by him.
The international player from Spain was named to the La Liga Team of the Season the previous season as Imanol Alguacil’s team finished fourth in the standings following a strong start to the season, securing Champions League football in the process.
Merino played in 43 games overall, scoring three goals and dishing out nine assists. He has maintained his excellent form throughout the season, playing in two league games for Sociedad as they sit eighth in the La Liga standings, winning one and drawing three.
Midfield reinforcement
As Postecoglou favours Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and James Maddison as his midfield trio, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso were rumored to be on their way out of Tottenham this summer.
Hojbjerg came quite close to moving to Atletico Madrid, but Diego Simeone’s team was unable to reach an agreement with the North Londoners, and the deal fell through. Tottenham was unable to find a suitable substitute.
In preparation for the upcoming transfer window, Postecoglou has already put Merino on the club’s radar. The dynamic midfielder’s deal with Sociedad has two years left, but according to Fichajes, the La Liga club is eager to renegotiate new terms.
