‘I learned a lot’: Mikel Merino reflects on his short stint at Newcastle

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When Mikel Merino first burst onto the scene for Newcastle United in 2017 he appeared to be quite the signing. He joined initially on loan but the deal became permanent not long after.

Despite signing a five-year deal (The Guardian), Merino joined Real Sociedad the next season. He struggled to get into the starting XI in the second half of the 2017/18 campaign. A back injury then the incredible form of Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey kept him out of the side.

In many ways, it was a real shame. The Spaniard showed real quality and would then make a big impact for Sociedad. The now 25-year-old is a Spain international, which makes some Newcastle fans think what could’ve been.

Merino beleives Newcastle shaped him into the player he is today

Merino looks back very fondly on his time with the Magpies. Despite only being there for one season, he told The Chronicle about how much he enjoyed his time there.

“I look back on those times and it was a shame I could not play more games and enjoy the fans and the league a little bit more, but my mindset right now is it was a huge year for me. I learned a lot,” he said.

“I’m really sure I’m the player that I am now because of Newcastle and all the experiences that I lived there. I’m really happy that I lived that and I wish all the best for every Newcastle fan.”

Since leaving the Toon and heading back to Spain, Merino has found success. He’s played in the Europa League with Sociedad and even lifted the Copa del Rey last year.

For some fans, seeing him find success is not at all surprising. When he first played for Newcastle, he looked immense. Against Swansea in September 2017, he kept the debuting Renato Sanches quiet as the Magpies won 1-0 away in Wales.

His most memorable moment came when he netted a late winner to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at St James’ Park. I remember at the time thinking we had some player on our hands.

In fact, I think that particular moment might have led me to get his name on the back of the black away kit for that season.

It’s nice to see Merino looks back fondly on such a brief stint in the North East. At that point, he was definitely one of the better footballers we’d seen play central midfield for Newcastle in some time.