Mikel Merino and all the times Valencia let his signing slip | OneFootball

Mikel Merino is propelling Spain’s tilt at a second world title as they head into a semi-final with France. Should they progress, England or Argentina await in the final.

According to Superdeporte, the midfielder has been decisive from the bench, striking late to beat Portugal in the last 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals. Spain’s back line has stood out, while Lamine Yamal and Pedri have been quieter.

Luis de la Fuente has used him as an impact option behind the striker. At Arsenal last season he even covered as a false nine, scoring six and supplying three before a serious January injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, leaving him short of minutes for the World Cup.

Osasuna, under financial strain, agreed during 2015/16 to sell him for under four million euros, with a stay until season’s end. After limited chances at Dortmund, he was put up for loan, Valencia hesitated, Newcastle secured a three million euro loan then a seven million euro deal, and a brief chance to return was again missed.

Newcastle later set a 12 million euro asking price, but Valencia splashed almost 130 million elsewhere, including Guedes for 40, Kondogbia for 22 and Gameiro for 16, and Real Sociedad paid 12 million and watched Merino flourish. Years on, La Real sold him to Arsenal for 32 million with a year left, a move that rewarded all parties.

Source: Superdeporte