Liverpool are linked with a move for Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino

Another addition to the list of midfielders linked with Liverpool, and the latest entrant is Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino. The Spaniard also stands linked with a move to the Reds’ Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old Spaniard is not alien to the Premier League as the player played under former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United in 2017. He joined the Magpies on loan from Borussia Dortmund, before switching permanently.

However, his stay in England was short and moved back to his native and signed a deal with his current club in 2018 wherein he is among the first names on Imanol Alguacil’s teamsheet. In 173 appearances for the Spanish club, he has 20 goals and 18 assists.

Liverpool are linked with a move for Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino. — Mikel Merino is linked with a move to Liverpool.

Merino has three years left on his current deal with a release clause reportedly set at €60 million (£51.6m) per Birmingham Live. He is an extremely versatile player and can fit into any role in a midfield three including both, attacking and defensive midfield.

As far as Unai Emery’s Villa are concerned, the midfield there looks more or less settled as they have plenty of options to choose from. However, Liverpool’s midfield situation needs no explanation apart from the fact that the current lot is not trustable in the distant future.

Mikel to the L4

In such a situation, Merino joining the Reds could be extremely beneficial for either party. Moreover, no player would want to miss out on the opportunity of playing in the UEFA Champions League, and that could be an attractive prospect to lure Merino to Anfield.

In two appearances against Liverpool in his career, Merino started as a defensive midfielder. He could be a great understudy to Fabinho or he could possibly play an advanced role at the club, similar to what Harvey Elliott has been playing, to promote the Englishman to his natural role of a winger.

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Hopefully, by next season, the Reds have stronger options to choose from as the bench strength and depth has been a major issue and hence, signing a midfielder should be one of the top priorities for the club.