Juventus not in race for Barcelona midfield target despite enquiry | OneFootball

Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is out of contract in a year’s time, and is facing a major decision on whether to extend his contract with the Txuri-Urdin, or to seek a major move at the age of 27.

Barcelona have been linked to Merino in recent days, and Matteo Moretto has confirmed on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing that the Catalan side are interested in the Spanish international. Merino has also been linked to Atletico and Juventus in recent months, but news on the first has gone quiet, and Moretto confirmed that since an initial enquiry several months ago, La Vecchia Signora have not moved for him.

Nevertheless, Merino seems unlikely to be short of options if he does leave La Real. However Real Sociedad do have a pulling power, and few clubs in Europe offer as good a quality of life as they do, combined with an excellent operation. If he does move, Barcelona will have to find the money to ensure he’s getting on a train to Barcelona and not a flight.