Real Madrid Transfers: Five LaLiga midfielders to monitor in summer 2021

Mikel Merino

The next player on the list is Mikel Merino, the 24-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder, who has been one of the best in his position in Spain. Mikel Merino is a left-footed player like the other two players mentioned before him, but he plays deeper than the other two, and he is a central midfielder.

Needless to say, Mikel Merino has been one of La Real’s most crucial players. He is used to playing as a midfielder in different systems, including that of a pivot in a 4-2-3-1 or as a right-sided central midfielder in a 4-3-3. The strongly built Spaniard is a great box-to-box player, and he has been one of the mainstays of the national team managed by Luis Enrique.

He is a quality player with excellent on-the-ball skills and a brilliant passing range. And this made Real Sociedad tie him down with a new contract until 2025, with an increased release clause of 60 million, to keep the top clubs who’re interested in him at bay. And the interest from the top clubs is obvious because he has been superb for La Real ever since his move from Newcastle United back in 2018, which cost them just 12 million.

Unfortunately, Real Sociedad hasn’t been able to qualify for UEFA Champions League for the next season. Mikel Merino might be gutted with that because he would love to play in the top competition of Europe like any other player does. Maybe Real Madrid can capitalize on that and make a move to talk with him about a possible move, though it is highly unlikely that La Real would be interested in letting go of one of their best players.