Barcelona set sights on 27-year-old La Liga midfielder as priority target | OneFootball

Barcelona are currently adjusting their plans to new manager Hansi Flick, and it appears they have settled on a new midfield target. If they have the budget to make the deal happen, then Barcelona will pursue Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino.

That is according to Sport, who say that Merino has been identified as an ideal option in midfield to be part of the double-pivot system that Flick has favoured in the past. The 27-year-old is out of contract in 2025, and has been in talks over a new deal with La Real, but so far nothing has been agreed.

Real Sociedad Sporting Director Roberto Olabe declared on Tuesday that La Real had not received any offers for Merino, and that it was up to the player to take a decision on his future, noting that it would not be about money, but rather a decision based on what the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United midfielder wants out of life.

In the coming weeks, Barcelona hope to have clarity on their financial, situation and spending power this summer, and if they do have the funds to go after a midfielder, then Merino will be the first port of call. At that point, they will communicate their interest to La Real.

The Blaugrana see him as a two-way midfielder that would help them press and compete physically. Merino is also no slouch technically, and has shown an ability to get goals attacking from deep too. Without the ball, Merino is a battling presence in the middle of the pitch, and frequently wins the ball back. He would also be cheaper than Joshua Kimmich, who has been cited as their top target to fill the pivot position.

One consequence of their interest in Merino is that Barcelona’s interest in Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez, who they have terms agreed with, has eased in recent weeks. They will still consider Rodriguez, who would arrive on a free, should their finances not improve as hoped.

On paper Merino is an excellent signing for any side in La Liga except perhaps for Real Madrid. His quality is proven, and currently he is battling it out for a starting spot in the Spain side at the Euros. If Merino were to arrive, it would be no surprise to see Barcelona look to move on midfielder. Gavi, Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will all be expecting starting minutes next season, and Fermin Lopez will also be in competition too.