Real Sociedad chief speaks out on Mikel Merino contract talks | OneFootball

Real Sociedad director Roberto Olabe has on Saturday spoken out on the future of Mikel Merino with the club.

The subject of Merino’s plans for next season have of course long proven a headline talking point in San Sebastián.

As much comes with the midfield standout primed to enter the final 12 months of his contract later this year.

Though efforts have long been in place on the part of the Sociedad brass to find an agreement on an extension with Merino, to this point, little progress has been made in negotiations between the parties.

With the former Newcastle United man in some of the best form of his career – he has notched eight goals and five assists thus far this season – interest in his signature from across the continent is beginning to mount.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of as much was put to the aforementioned Roberto Olabe.

And, in his response, La Real’s sporting director went on to confirm that he is ‘convinced’ that Merino will ultimately go on to stay put:

“I am convinced that he will continue with us,” Olabe began, as cited by Mundo Deportivo. “He is from the generation of ’96, he has to think very carefully about what his next step is going to be, but we want him to continue with us. It is not just an economic issue, it has to do with a life cycle.”

Conor Laird | GSFN