Newcastle sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino on loan as Spain Under-21 star joins with option of permanent deal next summer
- Rafael Benitez spoke of admiration Mikel Merino's quality and professionalism
- Borussia Dortmund midfielder was unsettled after only eight games last season
- Spain Under-21 star is excited to play for 'a great club and a really nice city'
- Initial loan deal includes obligation for permanent move when season ends
Newcastle have signed Spain Under-21 midfielder Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan.
Sportsmail understands the deal includes an obligation to buy the 21-year-old next summer.
Merino only joined Dortmund from Osasuna last year but became unsettled after making just eight league appearances and is now excited at the prospect of a new challenge under compatriot Rafa Benitez in the Premier League.
Mikel Merino has joined Newcastle on loan but the deal can be made permanent next summer
The Spanish midfielder struggled to break into the Borussia Dortmund team last season
‘It feels good and I'm very happy to be here, to be part of this club,’ he said.
‘I'm looking forward to touching the ball, meeting my new team-mates and starting to play football.
‘I know it's a great club and a really nice city. I had different options but I think this is the right place for me to play.’
Merino is a focused and professional young player according to his new boss Rafael Benitez
Benitez added: ‘Mikel is a midfielder with talent, an under-21 international for Spain.
‘He's a good size, has quality on the ball and he's very, very focused and professional. Hopefully he's the kind of player we can improve a lot - he certainly has the mentality to get better and better.
‘He comes from a top side in Dortmund and although he did not play too much last season, he was signed as a young, talented player and to be signed by a club like that shows that he has something good.
‘He has to show what he has, and hopefully he can enjoy playing here for a long time.’
The 21-year-old spoke of his excitement at beginning a new chapter with the Magpies
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