Midfielder Izan Merino has become a foundational pillar for Málaga CF after turning down a move to Real Madrid three years ago. According to a report by AS, the Spanish giants tried to sign the Málaga-born player for 250,000 euros in the summer of 2023, when he was 17 and yet to make his first-team debut.
Merino, born in 2006, chose to stay at his lifelong club. His official debut came on December 6, 2023, in a Copa del Rey match against Eldense. Since then, his career has risen alongside the team's fortunes, achieving promotion to the Second Division in 2024 and, finally, a return to La Liga this season. Sporting director Loren Juarros rejected Madrid's offer at the time, citing the player's release clause, which was then set at three million euros.
Why is Izan Merino so important?
At 20 years old, Izan Merino has already amassed 73 appearances for Málaga CF's first team. Manager Juanfran Funes considers him a key piece in central midfield, a position he alternates with playing as a centre-back, showcasing his versatility. His continuity at the club, along with other academy graduates like David Larrubia and Alfonso Herrero, has been an explicit request from the coaching staff to the sporting department. His progression exemplifies the project of La Academia, the club's youth system, intended to be the foundation of the team's rebuild.
The club's faith in the player materialized in two consecutive contract renewals. He first extended his deal until 2027 in September 2024, and then lengthened it to June 2028 in May 2025. Loren Juarros stated at the time: “Málaga is not a means, it is the end to become a footballer.” Regarding the interest from Real Madrid, he added: “If Izan has to leave Málaga for Real Madrid, let him leave 40 million euros and I'll put a bow on it.”
What does he bring to the current squad?
In the current Málaga CF squad, Merino brings youth, technical quality, and a deep understanding of the club. His profile complements other central midfielders in the team. To understand his role within Funes's setup, it's useful to check the detailed data on our stats page. His performance was key during the past campaign in the Second Division, where the team secured a comfortable mid-table finish before earning promotion.
His importance goes beyond club football. Merino has been a regular for Spain's youth teams. He was a starter in the U-20 World Cup in Chile and is now in contention for the U-21 squad, where his versatility to play both in midfield and defence is highly valued.
Who else in the squad has a Madrid past?
The connection between Málaga CF and Real Madrid's academy is not new. Currently, three players in the squad came through La Fábrica. Besides Carlos Dotor, goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero defended the goal for Madrid's reserve team, and full-back Dani Lorenzo also had a formative spell at the white club before returning to Málaga. This shared trajectory reinforces a club philosophy that values experience in high-demand environments.
The upcoming visit to the Santiago Bernabéu, scheduled in the fixtures calendar, will have special meaning for Merino. It will be the first time he plays at that stadium wearing the Málaga CF shirt, the team he bet on when he could have started his career at the Madrid giant. With a contract running until 2028, his immediate future is tied to the Málaga project, where he is already an undisputed reference.
