Newcastle United are reportedly well-positioned to secure a €30 million deal to sign Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier.
According to MARCA, Newcastle United have tabled an offer for Kieran Trippier. The Atletico Madrid right-back is expected to leave the club in the January transfer window, putting a number of clubs on red alert. While Atleti have no intention to sell their star full-back, Diego Simeone won’t stand in the way if the player truly wants to return to England.
In recent days, Trippier has also been courted by Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel potentially considering him as an ideal replacement for the injured Reece James. However, it appears Newcastle United are ready to snap up the Englishman, having recently made a €30 million approach for the defender in January.
Although their bid does not meet Atletico Madrid’s €40 million valuation, Los Colchoneros may have no option but to cash in, as the full-back’s current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano expires at the end of next season.
Trippier may become Newcastle United’s first signing of the January transfer window, as the Magpies look to begin their spending spree after being taken over by the Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund.
With over 300 combined appearances during his time at Burnley and Tottenham, the right-back brings considerable experience in English football. He has won 35 caps for the Three Lions and will be competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold for a place in the England team in this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Trippier’s experience, coupled with his quality, should make him an ideal upgrade over the likes of Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo. The club is looking to find a similar upgrade at left-back as well, with Everton man Lucas Digne emerging as a potential option. However, they may face stiff competition from league rivals Chelsea, while Juventus are involved in the equation as well.
As for Atletico Madrid, the potential exit of the English international could serve as a major blow for the club. But Simeone is already prepared to replace the former Burnley starlet by targeting Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard. Another option could be Chelsea veteran Cesar Azpilicueta, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season.
It will be interesting to see whether Los Colchoneros manage to sign either of the two players. But they are certainly set for a busy January transfer window as Simeone looks to address a few of the problems in his squad after a disappointing first half of the season.