In the Quarter-final clash with Germany, Mikel Merino's extra-time winner pulled the game for Spain when the match was going toward Penalties. The 28-year-old rose highest to head the ball past Manuel Neuer for 2-1 to win the game for Spain.
Operating as a box-to-box midfielder, Merino has consistently been a standout player in his position in La Liga since 2018. The Real Sociedad star has registered 57 goal contributions for the Basque outfit.
Angel Merino spoke about his son's future
Recently speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Angel Merino, a former Spanish player himself, talked about the future of his son,
""Mikel has already said actively and passively that until the Spanish team finishes its participation in the Euro Cup, he is not going to talk about anything else"."Angel Merino(via Mundo Deportivo)
Speaking on Mikel Merino's extra-time winner, he added,
""Now we have to enjoy this moment in the national team and then we'll see what happens"."Angel Merino(via Mundo Deportivo)
Mikel Merino is into the last year of his contract at San Sebastian, and thus, speculation of his transfer has been doing the rounds. FC Barcelona themselves remain passive admirers of the Spanish talent. When quizzed on this, his dad remarked,
""No, now we have to enjoy this, he is still a Real player and he owes it to that club, it is not acceptable"."Angel Merino(via Mundo Deportivo)
Earlier in June, Mikel Merino complimented Barcelona's interest in him, saying,
""It’s a compliment for me, it’s positive for Real Sociedad also. It’s nice to hear that there’s interest”."Mikel Merino
As for Barcelona, they are working to improve their wage bill until the conclusion of the UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024. Javier Tebas, the La Liga president, has recently hinted at the possibility of Barca making some big transfers this summer.
The declaration from Tebas has opened speculations about the Catalan club's future signings this summer. With Barca moving closer to the 1:1 financial fair play rule, signings like Nico Williams and Mikel Merino become a viable possibility.