Another hero of the Spanish national team at Euro 2024 has become a Barcelona target

Following the conclusion of Euro 2024, Barcelona has focused all efforts on acquiring Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams. The Catalan club is convinced that Nico is the missing link in their attacking line-up.

However, according to Gerard Romero, Barcelona has also set its sights on another European champion. Their second target for the summer transfer window is Real Sociedad's central midfielder Mikel Merino.

Barcelona has long been searching for a central midfielder who could fill the role reminiscent of Sergio Busquets and compensate for his departure. The club believes that Merino could be that player.

Barcelona is confident they can afford Merino's transfer, as his contract with Real Sociedad expires in the summer of 2025. The Basque club might be willing to sell him for around €15 million to avoid losing him as a free agent the following year.

At Euro 2024, Merino appeared in all seven matches but started only against Albania. His goal in the 119th minute of the quarterfinal against Germany (2-1) secured a crucial victory for Spain.

Before his time at Real Sociedad, the 28-year-old midfielder played for Osasuna, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United.