Newcastle United have made Mikel Merino’s loan deal permanent.
The midfielder joined from Borussia Dortmund on loan in the summer and has now signed a new five-year deal with the club.
The 21-year-old has featured in all of Newcastle’s Premier League games this season, showing his importance to the side. Merino took to twitter to show his happiness with the new contract.
The face you put when you find out you’re officially a magpie! ? Thank you all for the messages. ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ Really happy! pic.twitter.com/ajqceNqFIH
— Mikel Merino (@mikelmerino1) October 13, 2017
Newcastle United Seal Mikel Merino Deal
Rafa Benitez was happy to get the fellow Spaniard on permanent terms telling the BBC, “He has made a great impression at the club. He has confidence, but he is still young and has things to improve.”
Merino began his career at Osanuna, making 67 appearances in the Spanish Second division. His obvious talent earned him a move to German giants Borussia Dortmund.
However, in his lone season at Dortmund he struggled for regular football, playing only eight times in the Bundesliga.
In his short time at St James Park the Spanish Under-21 international has played well. The play maker has a pass accuracy of 75%, but more impressive is that 96% of those have been forward passes.
His next game is tomorrow, as the Magpies travel to Southampton in a Premier League clash.
Main Photo Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
Main Photo Caption: NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Mikel Merino speaks to the press after signing a permanent contract at the Newcastle United Training Centre on October 13, 2017, in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)