---
title: "Virals: Liverpool ‘ready to look’ at Mikel Merino as midfield alternative"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-liverpool-ready-to-look-at-mikel-merino-as-midfield-alternative/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-11-09T12:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-11-09T12:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: Liverpool ‘ready to look’ at Mikel Merino as midfield alternative

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/11/09/virals-liverpool-involved-in-bizarre-kylian-mbappe-transfer-update/) are reportedly ‘ready to look’ into signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in January.

The Reds are in need of additions in the [department](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team) in the wake of a cluster of injuries to key players already this season.

Naby Keita, James Milner, [Harvey Elliott](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/11/06/virals-jurgen-klopp-says-harvey-elliott-looks-really-good-on-rehab-journey/), Curtis Jones, Fabinho and Thiago have all spent time on the sidelines and as a consequence, Jurgen Klopp’s side has suffered.

According to a report from Spanish outlet [Fichajes](https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/liverpool-reactiva-interes-mikel-merino-20211106.html), as cited by [RedBird News](https://twitter.com/Anfield__Irish) on Twitter, Liverpool are considering a move for Merino.

> Liverpool are ready to look at Mikel Merino again, probably in January, as Jurgen Klopp searches for a viable midfielder for his squad. (Fichajes) [pic.twitter.com/Pff4czk7vB](https://t.co/Pff4czk7vB)
>
> — RedBird News (@Anfield\_\_Irish) [November 9, 2021](https://twitter.com/Anfield__Irish/status/1458000533252362245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The report upholds the [10-cap Spain ace](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mikel-merino/nationalmannschaft/spieler/338424/verein_id/3375) as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham.

Signed from Newcastle United in 2018, Merino has been a revelation for [La Liga table-toppers](https://www.skysports.com/la-liga-table) Sociedad.

This season the box-to-box midfielder, hailed as the [‘best midfielder in the league’](https://today.in-24.com/sport/News/149628.html) by Imanol Alguacil, has scored [three times and added two assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mikel-merino/leistungsdaten/spieler/338424) in 17 appearances across all competitions.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

The failure to suitably [replace Gini Wijnaldum](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12391665/georginio-wijnaldum-liverpool-do-not-need-to-replace-midfielder-in-transfer-window-says-jurgen-klopp) in the summer is coming back to bite Klopp in recent weeks.

Despite rarely being the star of the Liverpool show, the Dutchman [boasted unmatched durability](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/talk-about-an-underrated-player-are-liverpool-already-regretting-/4xu2hveszvf41wbe786724puj) and was often the first name on the teamsheet when times were tough.

Merino possesses a similarly impressive [recent injury record](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mikel-merino/verletzungen/spieler/338424) and would likely offer Klopp ready-made functionality.

Seemingly better off for a chastening Premier League experience in the North East, Liverpool could be primed to sign the [best version](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/238916/Show/Mikel-Merino) yet of Merino.

Valued at £36million and under contract in Spain until 2025 ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mikel-merino/marktwertverlauf/spieler/338424)), it would be an expensive acquisition but one that would offer a huge boost to the Anfield squad.