Tottenham are interested in a move for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino as a replacement for one of their midfielders.
According to Fichajes, Mikel Merino has emerged as a potential target for Tottenham either in January or next summer. The Spaniard has been in sensational form for Real Sociedad, and Ange Postecoglou would like him as a replacement for one of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Giovani Lo Celso.
Tottenham had a disastrous 2022/23 season but have made massive amends at the start of the new one. Under the leadership of new manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have looked solid and are certainly showing signs of big improvement.
Their new signings and some previously unwanted stars like Yves Bissouma have played a massive role in their unbeaten start to the Premier League season, as they sit second after four games. The manager feels the team could improve, aided by signings in the next windows.
Tottenham still have a few players the club would like to offload, including Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso. Postecoglou reportedly blocked an exit for the Argentine, although the Australian is yet to use the midfielder in any capacity.
Similarly, Hojbjerg came close to joining Atletico Madrid, and the move could be revive in January. If the duo leaves in January, Tottenham could accelerate their plans by pushing with a move for a new midfielder in that month, something they may have wanted to do next summer.
Real Sociedad’s €60 million-rated Spanish international Mikel Merino emerged on their list of potential midfield targets. His profile reportedly resembles that of a complete midfielder, which could have pushed Tottenham to show an interest.
Merino has been a revelation for Real Sociedad and has become one of their mainstays. He helped them qualify for the Champions League, making the prospect of a January departure difficult, especially if they make it to the next round.
With two years left on his deal, Real Sociedad are unlikely to allow the midfielder to depart for less than his release clause, which stands at €60 million. Tottenham might see such a fee as an investment for their present and future, as his presence would improve their overall quality in many ways.
Postecoglou reportedly approves of the signing as this team misses a profile of Merino. They might yet look to negotiate on the price, especially if they make a move next summer, although doing that in January would prove tricky.
