The England Under-20 international, who joined the Blues at Under-13s level, has become a consistent presence for our Under-21s, featuring across the Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Vertu Trophy. This will be the 20-year-old’s third loan spell away from Cobham. He gained his first taste of senior football during the 2022/23 season, with a loan spell at Hanwell Town. In January 2025, he continued that experience with a second loan move to National League South side Hampton & Richmond. His performances meant that in March it was announced Merrick had signed a new contract with the club until 2028.