Italian journalist Rudy Galetti reports that Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino is one of a number of names on Jurgen Klopp’s January shortlist to improve his Liverpool midfield – with the Reds considering an offer in the January window.
Merino, 26, has been superb for Sociedad. Joining the club from Newcastle in 2018, he has gone on to play a huge 175 appearances for the La Liga club – having a hand in 41 goals. This season is turning out to be Merino’s most profitable.
Playing 22 times in both league and cup, the 11-time Spain star has scored two goals – but laid on an impressive seven assists. All seven of his assists have come in 15 La Liga outings. Merino has a contract at Sociedad until June 2025.
A player signed by Rafa Benitez at Newcastle, he only played 25 times for The Toon after joining from Klopp’s old side Borussia Dortmund. Whether the Reds make a move for Merino before the end of the window remains to be seen.
GALETTI: SOCIEDAD STAR MERINO ON KLOPP’S LIVERPOOL MIDFIELD SHORTLIST
Merino would be a wonderful signing. A player that is in the form of his life at Sociedad. The kind of player that the Reds really lack. He is able to get forward and score goals, as well as creating them. But he is a box-to-box midfieder.
His technical abilities and passing are his best attributes. Standing at a lofty 6ft 2in, he is also very good in the air. So, a player that Klopp really likes and would be keen to bring to Anfield. Merino has a release clause worth £50m in Spain.
With James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of contract at the end of the season – Liverpool need a midfielder. So, Merino is a possible arrival at Anfield but of course, the main midfield target is still Jude Bellingham.
