Kieran Trippier has completed his move from Atletico Madrid to Newcastle United, who is confident that the England right-back will be the first of several statement transfers made by the Saudi-led regime at St James’ Park.
Trippier flew to Newcastle on a private jet from Spain on Tuesday and passed a medical examination before completing a deal. Newcastle’s claim has an initial value of £ 12 million, rising to £ 15 million with a variety of add-ons, but that the Atlético has suggested he is closer to the £ 25 million mark. .
Regardless of the cost to the 31-year-old, Trippier’s meeting with Eddie Howe, the coach who signed him to Burnley, has come in time for his installation in the team’s defense for the vital Premier League home game against the downhill rivals Watford on Saturday week. However, he can make his debut during Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against League One Cambridge United at St James’ Park. He has signed a two and a half year contract.
Trippier said: “I am delighted to join this fantastic club. I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I realized the interest of Newcastle United, and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew that this was where I wanted to be.
“I am aware that we have a lot of work ahead of us, but I know well the demands of the Premier League and I know how incredible this club is with very talented players. I can’t wait to get started and I’m excited to be out at St. James’ Park as a Newcastle player. “
At the time of Watford’s visit, Howe, whose team has won once all season and remains in the bottom three, will hope to have recruited a central midfielder and center forward to replace the injured Callum Wilson, whose muscle from the torn calf could put it aside for a couple of months.
Although Newcastle have made an offer for Lille defender Sven Botman, the Ligue 1 club turned it down and, reluctant to sell, is believed to be holding more than £ 30 million for the 21-year-old.
It may be somewhat easier for Newcastle to secure Aaron Ramsey’s transfer from Juventus, but while the Wales midfielder seems open to such a move and is very close to disappearing in Turin, defense and attack appear to be more pressing priorities at Tyneside. , where Trippier will win. over £ 100,000 a week
Howe lusts for a central midfielder and the idea of Ramsey coming on loan doesn’t seem entirely far-fetched. On Wednesday, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri described Ramsey as an “outgoing player.”
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Newcastle has an interest in Everton’s left-back Lucas Digne, who has faced Rafael Benitez, but Digne is believed not to be in love with the idea of moving to a club in a relegation skirmish.
Reflecting on Trippier’s signing, Howe said: “A lot of work has gone into planning the January transfer window long before the month started, which is clear how quickly we have been able to complete this move.”
Meanwhile, Amanda Staveley and her fellow directors continue to speak with Brighton’s Dan Ashworth about a possible move to the Northeast, where he would work alongside Howe as football director.
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism