Mikel Merino signs for Newcastle from Borussia Dortmund in permanent deal

Last updated on 13 October 2017.From the section Football52

Newcastle have completed the signing of midfielder Mikel Merino on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old Spaniard joined the club in the summer on loan from Borussia Dortmund but has now signed a five-year-deal at St James' Park.

Manager Rafael Benitez said: "He has made a great impression at the club. He has confidence, but he is still young and has things to improve."

Merino has played in all of Newcastle's Premier League games this season.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

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Comment posted by User0505060576, at 10:50 13 Oct 2017
Newcastle have the 3rd best defensive record in the league.

And if you take into account they've only spent £30 million this season, it's time to start respecting Rafa and they players he's brought in.

I know "not getting relegated, and finishing mid table" isn't a big prize for your plastic United and Chelsea fans from Ireland, but it is to us
Comment posted by Emile Heskey for England Captain, at 10:26 13 Oct 2017
He's an excellent young player with a bright future - great business from Newcastle (not often you hear anyone say that).
Comment posted by ac90, at 10:35 13 Oct 2017
Already looks like a steal..at least that's one signing we got right this summer!
Dare I say that (providing Shelvey keeps his head), our midfield is looking...strong-ish?!
That Rafa kid isn't too bad, is he...
Comment posted by User0313546441, at 10:53 13 Oct 2017
Great Deal by Newcastle, Exciting young player. Love the "no one cares" comments people post ( after commenting ), ha,ha. What teams do you support?
Comment posted by LuThe, at 11:12 13 Oct 2017
Looks to be a good player from what I've seen.

Rafa has some strange ways. Can be frustrating with how he persists with players that aren't performing. His substitutions at times are infuriating.

But, ultimately, he will build you a solid solid that will compete.

LFC supporter, I love him to bits. Genuine man. NUFC (and their fans) is a really good fit for him, pleased for him.
Comment posted by Relax and Chill, at 13:55 13 Oct 2017
Am from Sunderland but I do honestly like to see Newcastle do well.
Under Rafa they are doing well the player looks a decent signing.
I don't think Newcastle will have any problems with relegation this season.
The toon ship is in calm waters
Comment posted by manfromtoon, at 12:41 13 Oct 2017
Good signing. Good player. A club trying to build success rather then buy it. Quite refreshing.
Comment posted by Double Carpet, at 10:40 13 Oct 2017
Excellent signing. Very good, well-grounded young player. Good on the ball, works hard, creative, good passer. Exactly what we need and delighted we’ve got him on a long deal. Add 3 or 4 with his attitude and ability and we might have a decent side at last.

And @2 Brilliant. Just brilliant. Well done for coming up with that one. No ‘e’ at the end of Voldemort btw.
Comment posted by dreamboat, at 11:38 13 Oct 2017
Great business from NUFC.

A special club, with special fans. Some that come here experience that and just cant say no.

Alan Shearer for example, who could have went to Man Utd and undoubtedly would have won more trophies but he didnt want to play in a stadium with more tourists than fans.
Comment posted by Superd79, at 14:22 13 Oct 2017
Re37
@ 21 A special club, with special fans. Do you Geordies think that you have some kind of monopoly of being ''special' All clubs are special with special fans.

No, but let's take last season as an example. Averaging over 50,000 every home game and selling every away allocation out in the Championship.

Another 4pm ko this Sunday at Southampton and again sold out like Brighton was.
Comment posted by Terry, at 13:15 13 Oct 2017
You do not play centre midfield for any spanish international team if not very good. And he is
Comment posted by FootballFan78, at 11:08 13 Oct 2017
That is a lovely bit of business for Newcastle. He is a good player indeed
Comment posted by User0973189309, at 10:58 13 Oct 2017
3. and 6. why bother to read, and more impertinently comment on something of which is of little interest to you.
Comment posted by Hot Shot Hamish, at 12:02 13 Oct 2017
I think he is going to be a massive asset. Sometimes you can just tell with a player. From what I have seen I thought he looked good, tall lad and looked up when he had the ball and played the ball into space which in midfield is a lot harder than we think.

Signings like this show how lucky we are to have the Management team we have at Newcastle as this guy came from nowhere.
Comment posted by Consett Mag, at 12:32 13 Oct 2017
@25
Our fans want ambition. Our owner wants relegation survival. We're being realistic to target midtable this season. All we can do is support the team with a full St James's Park each week, as we did even in the Championship.
Comment posted by User0973189309, at 11:08 13 Oct 2017
12 . . . . .what happens when its madrid derby day?
Comment posted by Rambler75, at 12:43 13 Oct 2017
Best signing so far, good player now and can become a great. Well done Rafa ! You yourself are the best signing for years keep it up, the boys have confidence in you and your nous.
Comment posted by User0313546441, at 11:03 13 Oct 2017
10: Ha, Ha What an excellent selection friend!. Why not add one or two more teams in time for xmas perhaps?.
Comment posted by Consett Mag, at 11:33 13 Oct 2017
Excellent news - this fellow has played very well since his arrival and is set to be a top player. He's clearly happy up here too.
Comment posted by echotheegg, at 15:19 13 Oct 2017
@25 Are you suggesting that a team that is just promoted should immediately be challenging for the title? I think somebody has lost his medication.
Back on topic- Merino was definitely the stand out performer for Newcastle when they played us (Brighton) Looked good on the ball and everything was played through him until Shelvey came on. Very good signing now, great signing if he keeps developing!