Barcelona Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This La Liga Midfielder: Good Option For Barca? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Barcelona are locked in a three-way battle for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. It has been stated that the Catalan club would face competition in the form of Arsenal and Manchester United in the race to sign the Spanish talent in the summer.

Merino’s Impressive Form In La Liga This Season

Merino is having a decent campaign at the Spanish club after producing a series of impressive performances at the heart of their midfield. The 27-year-old has found the back of the net seven times and secured five assists in 37 matches for Barcelona this season in all competitions.

The Spanish midfield ace has given a good account of himself in the middle of the park and deserves credit for averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.7 clearances, 1.0 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after making 76.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the Spanish club will run out in the summer of 2025. Hence, Barcelona could potentially land him on a cut-price deal at the end of this campaign.

Real Sociedad’s Spanish midfielder #08 Mikel Merino celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on March 5, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Is Merino A Good Option For Barcelona?

Merino loves a tackle and usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot. He can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third.

The Spanish sensation is a good dribbler with the ball as well and can chip in by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from midfield. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder if needed.

We can expect Merino to bring more quality and depth to Barcelona‘s midfield department. He has what it takes to help the Catalan club compete across all competitions in the coming years.

At 27, Merino’s best years are ahead of him. Plus, he has got a wealth of experience in La Liga and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Nou Camp. Thus, Barca would be wise to go all out to recruit him on the cheap this summer.