da dobrowin： Mikel Merino has claimed that he is open to making his loan stay at Newcastle United permanent, reports the Chronicle.
What’s the word?
da spicy bet： The 21-year-old moved to St James’ Park from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window.
The deal is an initial loan, but the Premier League club have an option to buy for £6m at the end of the season.
The Chronicle claims that the Spanish midfielder needs to make 20 competitive appearances in order for Newcastle to trigger the clause.
During a Q&A session with Spanish website Goal, Merino was asked if he will return to Dortmund next summer. He replied:
“Well, it’s a loan with a buyout option for Newcastle. We’ll see how the season progresses and how it all goes. At the moment, what I am thinking is to improve and grow individually as a footballer, because I still have a lot of room to grow. That’s what I’m up to now.”
Is Merino likely to stay?
Depending on the midfielder’s performances, Newcastle look to be in the driving seat with regards to a permanent deal because of the clause inserted into the loan agreement.
However, if Rafael Benitez’s side fail to retain their Premier League status, then Merino may have second thoughts about staying at St James’ Park.
As it stands, though, the Spaniard’s apparent openness to being a Newcastle player beyond next summer provides a big boost for the club.
It is no secret that Benitez has been unhappy with the club’s transfer activity, particularly after they failed to bring in any new players on deadline day.
Merino has performed well in all three of his outings so far this season, so if the club are able to keep him for the long-term, the squad will be immediately strengthened come the end of the campaign.