Cheaper alternatives to Izan Merino
CM/CDMMálaga CF · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitIzan Merino's profile ↗
Izan Merino is a central midfielder and defensive midfielder for Málaga CF in LaLiga 2, with 34 appearances and 1 assist in the 2025/26 season. For those seeking a cheaper alternative to Merino, Leandro Bacuna from FC Groningen, valued at €0m, offers a fit score of 83/100, while Tomy Carbonell from Real Sociedad B is available for €1m with a fit score of 81/100.
12 cheaper alternatives to Izan Merino
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leandro Bacunasimilar↗ | FC Groningen | 35 | €300k | 88 | 83 |
| 2 | Tomy Carbonellsimilar↗ | Real Sociedad B | 21 | €900k | 90 | 81 |
| 3 | Oriol Reysimilar↗ | Levante UD | 28 | €1.7m | 93 | 80 |
| 4 | Thijs Oostingsimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 26 | €900k | 79 | 80 |
| 5 | Noah Naujokssimilar↗ | Excelsior | 24 | €1.4m | 74 | 79 |
| 6 | Elias Kristoffersen Hagensimilar↗ | Vålerenga IF | 26 | €600k | 82 | 79 |
| 7 | Rafael Bauzàsimilar↗ | Mirandés | 21 | €1.1m | 86 | 79 |
| 8 | Simone Pontissosimilar↗ | Catanzaro | 29 | €1.1m | 81 | 79 |
| 9 | Nicklas Struncksimilar↗ | Bryne FK | 27 | €400k | 88 | 79 |
| 10 | Görkem Sağlamsimilar↗ | Hatayspor | 28 | €800k | 78 | 79 |
| 11 | Ruben Jenssensimilar↗ | Tromsø IL | 38 | €100k | 78 | 79 |
| 12 | Danijel Aleksićsimilar↗ | Konyaspor | 35 | €200k | 81 | 78 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Izan Merino
≈ 100% Izan Merino · strong: Clearances, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Accurate crosses /90, xG + xA /90
≈ 100% Izan Merino · strong: Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90
≈ 100% Izan Merino · strong: Clearances · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90
FAQ
What is the cheapest alternative to Izan Merino?
Leandro Bacuna (FC Groningen) is among the most affordable similar profiles, at roughly €300k with a 83/100 match to Izan Merino.
Who is the best-value alternative to Izan Merino?
Leandro Bacuna offers the best balance of fit and price among the alternatives, rated 83/100 at about €300k.
How does Doppel choose alternatives to Izan Merino?
Doppel ranks players in the same detailed position (central midfielder) by how closely they match Izan Merino's statistical profile, then keeps those priced below him — league-strength adjusted, top leagues across Europe and South America, last 3 seasons.
Want the full, budget-aware shortlist with heatmaps and your own filters?
Run your own search on Doppel →