To this day, Mikel Merino remains a Tyneside enigma.
He came, he saw and he, albeit briefly, conquered. Then manager Rafa Benitez snatched his compatriot from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and brought him to Newcastle United.
An initial season-long loan, this quickly became a permanent deal once obligations had been met in October. Toon supporters were impressed by stylish midfield displays - that included a last-minute winner against Crystal Palace - akin to those of a young Sergio Busquets.
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However, before supporters could get Merino’s name on their shirts, he was gone. Just two starts from January until the end of the season had fans puzzled about their exciting prospect.
A transfer to his home country at Real Sociedad beckoned - where he has played ever since. The now 26-year-old has blossomed into a Spain international and was linked with a move to Manchester City last summer.
“I am very happy to play for a club that I love and one I have followed since I was a child,” Merino said once returning home. “It’s very close to Osasuna. I am delighted to be here and looking forward to playing.
“It’s a very nice project, with the change of the stadium and everything is good with the group. The fans here have spoken so well to me and being back to being close to home is important.
“I am feeling integrated. All of them have been important factors and I think I have made a good decision.”
A desire to return home potentially robbed Newcastle of a dream midfield duo. Alongside Bruno Guimaraes, the Spaniard would have forged a possession-heavy partnership in the engine room.
Ruben Neves, the wantaway Wolves midfielder, is cut from the same cloth as Merino and has been linked with a St James’ Park switch. A deep-lying playmaker, signing the Portuguese international would allow Guimaraes to play further forward.
One year on his contract means Neves is likely available at a discounted £25million in the summer. While money is hardly in short supply on Tyneside since the Saudi-backed takeover, Merino would have cost nothing and falls comfortably into the one-that-got-away category.
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