Real Madrid identifies Sociedad playmaker Mikel Merino as potential long term replacement for Casemiro

According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid is interested in bringing in a new midfielder to offer support for Casemiro and has reduced their search down to Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino as a likely candidate to join them.

The 24-year-old has been with La Real since 2018 when he joined from Newcastle United, and he has developed into one of the league’s most dependable midfielders, ranking among the best in the league. Over the course of his career, the 25-year-old has made 142 appearances for Imanol Alguacil’s side, as well as 11 appearances for the Spanish national team. He has shown significant improvement over the previous two seasons.

Merino’s form has attracted the attention of the biggest names in Spanish football, who have shown an interest in signing him. Barcelona is interested in signing the former Osasuna striker in the summer transfer window, with manager Xavi Hernandez being a major fan of the player’s ability. Simillar to the aforementioned claim, Real Madrid has also shown an interest in signing the Spaniard.

After the retirement of Luka Modric, Casemiro, and Toni Kroos, Real Madrid will have to start planning for a future without its ageing midfield trio of the same name. The Merengues already have two promising young players in Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga who have the potential to take over the team’s midfield leadership role soon.

Nonetheless, Real Madrid does not currently have a natural holding midfielder who can cover for Casemiro and ultimately take his spot in the first-team lineup. Florentino Perez and the rest of the club’s administration are keen to fix this issue during the summer transfer window, and they have already identified several potential replacements.

Real Madrid is interested in Mikel Merino because of his “tactical versatility”

Los Blancos are keeping an eye on Wolves’ Ruben Neves, as well as Red Bull Salzburg’s Mohamed Camara. AS Monaco staple Aurelien Tchouameni has piqued the curiosity of many clubs, and now Real Madrid is evaluating Mikel Merino as a potential addition to their midfield options.

The 25-year-old had previously been on the radar of Real Madrid, who were interested in signing him. According to the report, the Spanish capital club attempted to recruit him before he signed with Borussia Dortmund from Osasuna. Merino is back on the menu at the Santiago Bernabeu, having grown into a far more experienced player with extensive experience at the greatest level.

With his versatility, the Spanish international can play as a No. 6 or in a more advanced position in the centre of the park, where he can contribute with goals and assists. In 21 La Liga games this season, he has been directly involved in six goals. Real Madrid may be interested in him because of the tactical versatility he would bring to the table, and it remains to be seen if they would make a move to sign him.