Mikel Merino


Mikel Merino Zazón is a Spanish professional footballer, who plays as a midfielder for Real Sociedad.

Club career

Osasuna

Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Merino began his career with CD Amigó, later moving to CA Osasuna. He made his senior debuts with the reserves in the 2013–14 season, in Tercera División.
On 23 August 2014, Merino made his first competitive appearance with the first team, starting in a 2–0 home win against FC Barcelona B for the Segunda División championship. He scored his first professional goal on 21 December, netting the winner in a 2–1 away success over UD Las Palmas.
On 31 January 2015, Merino was definitely promoted to the main squad, being awarded the number 8 jersey. He was a regular starter in his first year, helping them narrowly avoid relegation.
In the 2015–16 campaign, Merino scored four goals from 34 appearances to help Osasuna finish sixth and reach the promotion play-offs. In that stage's first round, he netted a brace in a 3–1 home win against Gimnàstic de Tarragona, and added another goal in the second leg.

Borussia Dortmund

On 15 February 2016, Merino signed a five-year deal with Borussia Dortmund, which was made effective on 1 July. His first appearance in the Bundesliga occurred on 14 October, when he played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 home draw to Hertha BSC.

Newcastle United

In July 2017, Merino joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan – the Premier League club agreed to a clause obligating them to sign the player permanently, based on a number of appearances. On 13 October this was invoked, and he agreed to a five-year contract.
Merino made 24 competitive appearances for the Magpies, scoring once, a late header that was the only goal against Crystal Palace at St James' Park on 21 October 2017.

Real Sociedad

Merino returned to Spain on 12 July 2018, signing a five-year contract with Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee reported to be €12 million. His first match in La Liga took place on 18 August, when he played 59 minutes in a 2–1 win against hosts Villarreal CF; his first goal on 21 September won the game at SD Huesca.

International career

Merino was part of the Spain under-19 team which won the 2015 UEFA European Championship in Greece. He scored their first goal of the tournament, opening a 3–0 win over holders Germany at the AEL FC Arena in Larissa.

Personal life

Merino's father, Ángel, was also a footballer. His career was also associated with Osasuna, as both a player and manager.

Career statistics

Honours

International

Spain U19
Spain U21