Name: Mikel Merino Zazón

• Nationality: Spain
• Date of Birth: June 22, 1996
• Place of Birth: Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
• Position: Central midfielder / Deep-lying playmaker
• Current Club: Real Sociedad (note: squad status may change with transfers)

Club Career (highlights)

• Youth: Developed at CA Osasuna academy (Navarre) before moving to Borussia Dortmund's youth setup.
• Borussia Dortmund (2015–2016): Made senior breakthrough and gained experience in Bundesliga.
• Newcastle United (2016–2017): Signed by the Premier League club; spent time on loan back in Spain.
• Loan to CA Osasuna (2016–2017): Returned to Spain on loan, playing in Segunda División and helping Osasuna's midfield.
• Real Sociedad (2017–present): Joined permanently and established himself as a key central midfielder, known for his vision, passing range, defensive work and ability to control tempo.

International Career

• Represented Spain at various youth levels, including U17, U19 and U21.
• Senior debut: Broke into the Spain national team and has earned caps, participating in international qualifiers and tournaments when selected.

Playing Style

• Technically gifted central midfielder with strong passing accuracy and composure on the ball.
• Versatile: can play as a deeper pivot or a more advanced playmaker; contributes defensively with interceptions and tackling.
• Effective at switching play and initiating attacking moves from midfield.

Honours & Notes

• Has been part of competitive squads in La Liga and European competitions with Real Sociedad.
• Individual recognition has grown as he matured into a central figure for club and country.
• For the most up-to-date statistics (appearances, goals, assists, current season status), consult official club or league sources as transfers and stats change over time.