steve_69 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Bear in mind this is almost certainly one of the players who joined us purely because of Rafa (it was hinted at by Rafa immediately after he signed). If Rafa walks i can't see Merino wanting to hang around and play under Tim Sherwood or some other dud Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crumpy Gunt Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Have we found our next Cabaye in this kid ? Ashleys next casino visit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddy Chibas Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Bear in mind this is almost certainly one of the players who joined us purely because of Rafa (it was hinted at by Rafa immediately after he signed). If Rafa walks i can't see Merino wanting to hang around and play under Tim Sherwood or some other dud Agreed. In addition I believe this kid would hit a wall if The King returned this season. Pardew would punish him for the quick, forward ball movement (in our own half) shown so far - too daring. Under Pardew, one misplaced outlet ball/mistake, and he's fucked. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 https://mobile.twitter.com/PassDontShoot/status/903948787286253568 Really hope this kids around for quite awhile. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimistic Nut Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 The tackle on 1.46. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 He's a quality young player who's only going to get better with experience and age. Was clear to see from the moment he set foot on the pitch for us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinport53 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 I hope the obligation kicks in at around 20 games so we have to get him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki679 Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Got a feeling he's the real deal. Seems to have both the talent and the attitude to succeed and the fact he was at such a big club prior to joining us speaks volumes about his ability. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddy Chibas Posted September 2, 2017 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Technically we can secure a permanent deal in Jan for 6.5m (if the 20 game obligation kicks in and Merino agrees terms) and then offload the lad in a big money sale next Summer? Sounds like the dream scenario for Sports Direct United, perennial big hitters in The Spreadsheet Cup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Mikel Merino on his future, working with Rafa, club's off-field problems and 'beautiful' Newcastle Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino opens up in a fascinating Q & A with Spanish site Goal BY MARK DOUGLAS09:00, 3 SEP 2017UPDATED12:02, 2 SEP 2017 Mikel Merino has made a fantastic impact in a few weeks at Newcastle United - and on Friday night he starred for Spain’s under-21 side, scoring and assisting as he continued his fine start to the season. Rafa Benitez may not have been happy with the scope and scale of United’s business but Merino was one of the targets he managed to get – and was seen as a key addition by the United boss. And it’s been a case of so far, so good for the Spaniard, who was excellent against West Ham. Merino was snapped up for a £1million loan fee with an option to make it a £6million permanent deal – believed to be after 20 competitive games in black and white. He’s already made two. Back in Spain, he sat down with Goal for a fascinating question and answer session covering his feelings about Newcastle, his future, his relationship with Rafa Benitez and how he reacts to stories of off-the-field discontent at United. Newcastle United summer signing Mikel Merino talks to media(Image: The Chronicle) Why move to Newcastle? “It was a busy summer but I think that was the right decision. Newcastle made a bid for me and what a player wants is to feel loved and valued to demonstrate what he is capable of doing. And Newcastle gave me that. The city is very nice, the team is great, the coach is one of the best there is and I can learn a lot from him, so in the end it’s a place where I can learn a lot.” How important was Rafa Benitez to the move? “I wanted him to be at Newcastle and it struck me that he trusted me. He is one of the best and I can learn a lot from him. He’s very meticulous, and takes everything into account. He knows a lot about football and it’s something that comes in handy when you’re young and you’re still learning. Your season has started very well. “Yes! Little by little I’m getting physically ready for it. I’m not 100% yet but over time I’ll catch up with the level. And for now I am adapting to the speed and pace of the Premier League. “But I’m starting to feel like a footballer again. I have been able to play in this season start and that is very important. I am happy. The game against West Ham was good and proved that I can stand the 90 minutes. I was comfortable in the field and my teammates helped a lot. Also the fact of having Spanish teammates makes the coexistence is even better. “I really enjoyed it the other day and hopefully it stays that way." Will the integration process be much easier with the Ayoze, Joselu and Manquillo at the club? “Yes. It helps to have the language in common and it helps a lot in the field. I try to speak English but the words come out in your language unconsciously still and it comes in very well, because we are also one in each line.” How do you speak English? “I speak English well but my Castilian is better. I can speak the specific words of football because you express yourself better (that way). But there is no problem with the language. German is much more complicated. In fact it was less bad that everyone there knew English.” Have you already found a house in Newcastle? How do you feel in your new city? “Yes, I already found it. Now we are in the process of moving, and then I will be fully settled. I’m living with a friend who came with me and the truth is that it gives me life, because getting home and being able to be with him is a joy. “My friends and family usually come to visit me a lot. That helps a lot. Besides, I really like the city, it’s very good. It is a beautiful city, with things to do, the people are very friendly and always have a smile from ear to ear. I’m very happy to be where I am, that’s the truth.” In fact it is said that the fans of Newcastle is among the most dedicated to his team. Like the Dortmund in Germany. “People are always 100% with the team. Always. I was lucky, because in all the clubs where I was, the fans were great. Also in Osasuna. In Newcastle they are very united. It’s crazy what they do for the team and the players, really.” You’ve already heard the song that has been dedicated to the Newcastle fans, right? “I was very amused. ‘He comes from Spain, it has a lot of class and it’s better than Fabregas,’ That’s what it says more or less. I saw it on Twitter, I heard it and it was very funny." Does it affect you the problems that supposedly exist between the club and coaching staff? “We stay on the sidelines. We try not to think too much about what is being said. The objective of this season is to try to win match to match, to go gradually getting stronger and to see how high we can go. The first and main thing is to maintain the category, and then to see how far we can go. That’s what’s important.” And next year, could you theoretically he should return to Borussia Dortmund after the transfer? “Well, it’s a loan with a buyout option for Newcastle. We’ll see how the season progresses and how it all goes. At the moment, what I think is to improve and grow individually as a footballer, because I still have a lot to grow. That’s what I’m up to now.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NEEJ Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John P Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Completely smitten with this guy like. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Aye favourite player at the minute has bags of potential. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 He can go all the way to the top with his ability and more importantly his attitude. Only 21 as well ffs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggs Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 I’m living with a friend who came with me and the truth is that it gives me life, because getting home and being able to be with him is a joy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happinesstan Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Technically we can secure a permanent deal in Jan for 6.5m (if the 20 game obligation kicks in and Merino agrees terms) and then offload the lad in a big money sale next Summer? Sounds like the dream scenario for Sports Direct United, perennial big hitters in The Spreadsheet Cup. What? We can't sell him in January?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPL Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Technically we can secure a permanent deal in Jan for 6.5m (if the 20 game obligation kicks in and Merino agrees terms) and then offload the lad in a big money sale next Summer? Sounds like the dream scenario for Sports Direct United, perennial big hitters in The Spreadsheet Cup. What? We can't sell him in January?? Don't worry we'll still be in profit come end of the tax year. Will give us a head start for the year after. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleBingo Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 He's moving in around the corner from me in Jesmond Vale Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRon Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 He's already heard the song about him on twitter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 I still can't believe its only 7mil total for this guy, early days of course but it looks a snip considering the current inflated prices. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
huss9 Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 thats if he agrees to stay. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRon Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 thats if he agrees to stay. He has mentioned how much respect he has for Rafa in that interview, so you would imagine Rafa staying himself would be a big part in his decision when he makes it. If Rafa goes and Pardew comes back in and decides he needs local grit from Colback then who's to say if he'll even complete 20 games here? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figures 1-0 Football Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Chronicle have just reported it's for £6m and we can activate it after 20 games. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Village Idiot Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 So we are at M-17, then? Gonna pray he doesn't get injured. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickthemagpie Posted September 3, 2017 Share Posted September 3, 2017 So we are at M-17, then? Gonna pray he doesn't get injured. Finally! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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