January 07, (THEWILL) – Newcastle United has completed the £15 million transfer of Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier.
The 31-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at St James’ Park, with the option of a further year, and is the club’s first signing since the club was taken owned by Saudi Arabia in October.
Trippier, who won La Liga last season and played a key role in England’s Euro 2020 final appearance, spoke on the club’s official website after his transfer was revealed.
“I’m delighted to be joining this fantastic club. I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I became aware of interest from Newcastle United, and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
“I’m aware there is a lot of work ahead of us but I know the demands of Premier League well and I know what an amazing club this is with very talented players. I can’t wait to get started and I’m excited to step out at St. James’ Park as a Newcastle player.”
Eddie Howe, Newcastle manager, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Kieran to Newcastle United. I have long admired his abilities and have followed his career, so when the opportunity arose to secure him, we didn’t hesitate.
“A lot of hard work has gone into planning for the January transfer window long before the month began, which is clear in how quickly we have been able to complete this move. I would like to thank everyone involved, particularly our owners, and I’m very much looking forward to working with Kieran again on the training pitch.”
Trippier’s contract will make him Newcastle’s highest-paid player, representing a nearly 50 percent raise over his £80,000-per-week pay at Atletico Madrid over the past two-and-a-half years.
There will be no release clause in the contract of the former Manchester City youngster, which means he will stay in the North East even if Newcastle is relegated at the end of the season.
With the Magpies now occupying 19th place on the Premier League table, that fate is a distinct possibility. They have only won one of their first 19 games this season, yet despite that poor record, they are only two points away from safety.
Trippier, however, returns to Howe a decade after the former Bournemouth manager brought him to Burnley, where he established himself as a regular first-team member until joining Tottenham in 2015.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
