Liverpool eye 25-year-old La Liga ace as Jude Bellingham alternative

Transfer Update: Liverpool eyeing Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino

According to TeamTalk (h/t Liverpoolecho), Real Sociedad player Mikel Merino would be a ‘more realistic’ target for Liverpool than Jude Bellingham.

The English international has become an exciting midfielder to watch in the heart of Dortmund’s midfield. He is constantly performing in big games and becoming a fan favourite at the Signal Iduna Park.

He would undoubtedly be one of the most exciting transfers if the Mersyside team becomes successful in their attempt.  For a side crying out for dynamism in midfield, Bellingham would be an ideal recruit.

But Liverpool are not alone in the race. The 18-year-old has attracted eyes from the big clubs of Europe and remains one of the prime targets for some teams.

Such attraction from Europe’s big players has boosted his price tag. The Reds may well have to fork out a king’s ransom to land their man.

Liverpool board is already on a negotiation table to discuss Mohamed Salah’s wage, which will be a hefty one. In such a case, their budget for the coming window becomes limited. 

That’s why Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino has become a ‘more realistic’ target for Liverpool. He has proved his worth in the Spanish Premier division and remains one of the key players for the Los Txuri-Urdin.

The 25 years old player has completed 100 appearances for the Spanish side. Furthermore, his row of good performances has earned him a place in the Span squad. While he could prove to be more affordable, Bellingham certainly is the one with the higher ceiling.

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Bellingham is a talented prospect, and betting on him would be far easy for the Reds. But after evaluating club ledgers, the board would have to decide on Mikel Merino, who has shown some outstanding performances in recent times.