On July 19, according to Spanish outlet Relevo, the reason for Atlético de Madrid delaying the official announcement of the already-agreed transfer of Spanish international center-back Llorente has been revealed: Atlético hopes to include another Spanish international, midfielder Merino, from Real Sociedad in the deal and has begun negotiations with the club.
The €30 million transfer of Llorente from Real Sociedad to Atlético was settled at the beginning of this month, with all documents signed, awaiting only the official announcements by both clubs. However, the situation has changed, and the announcement will be further delayed. The delay is not due to any issues with Llorente or the two clubs but because Atlético has set its sights on another player from Real Sociedad—Merino—and wishes to include him in the Llorente deal, essentially seeking to acquire two current Spanish internationals from Real Sociedad in a package deal. According to Relevo, Atlético’s executive director Marín has officially approached Real Sociedad’s president Aperribay.
Merino’s team is currently not in talks with Atlético de Madrid, preferring instead to wait to make the best decision for his future. In addition to being a European Championship winner, the midfielder’s market value has increased. Although he does not yet have a formal offer on the table, he has received calls from Barcelona and Arsenal. Both clubs have been monitoring Merino’s performances, and he has one year remaining on his contract with Real Sociedad. After Merino decided against renewing his contract, Real Sociedad began considering putting him up for sale.
Now, Atlético has entered the picture, with Simeone hoping to sign both Spanish internationals from Real Sociedad, though it appears that the negotiations will not be straightforward.
