Kieran Trippier Moves To Newcastle: Great Switch For All Parties?
Kieran Trippier was one of several big January acquisitions for noveau riche Newcastle. A controversial takeover has allowed an injection of cash into the northeast club, and stabilising the defence was an immediate priority.
Kieran Tripper Newcastle rumours were plentiful, and he ultimately signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Magpies. There was much speculation about Kieran Trippier Newcastle wages too, with some outlets reporting he is on £100,000 per week.
Such a figure would make Trippier the highest-paid player in the squad, though there are 70 Premier League players earning more according to Spotrac.
A long-time England international, Trippier swapped sunny Madrid for a relegation battle at St James’ Park. The chance to work with Eddie Howe was a key factor in Trippier’s decision.
Trippier spoke about reuniting with Howe.
“He’s a great manager and I’ve kept in touch with him ever since I left Burnley. He’s a big reason why I came here. I’m here to fight and help him as much as I can.”
Howe was equally excited about bringing such an accomplished player on board.
The 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.”
Experience Key – On And Off The Pitch
Part of a La Liga winning side with Atletico in 2019-10 and a member of the England team that made it to the Euro 2020 final, Trippier has more big-game experience than most of the Newcastle squad.
Lurched into a team that was seriously struggling, Trippier was well aware of the challenge he was facing. Born in Bury and making his name at Burnley, playing in the north of England was important for Trippier.
“I made it clear a few months back that I’d love to return to the Premier League. Living in the north is important for my family – but Newcastle’s also an exciting long-term project.
“The owners want to make this club very successful; the direction they want to take it in is fantastic. It’s a very exciting time for supporters and players here.”
Just like the early arrivals at Manchester City and Chelsea when they had new billionaire owners, Trippier has faced criticisms that he only made the move for the money. He rejects such a premise.
“I know why I’m here: I came for the project and everything about it. If people say it’s about money they’re entitled to their opinions but I know the reasons why and that’s not one of them.
“It’s exactly the same question I got asked before I went to Madrid. People were saying: ‘It’s a risk, he shouldn’t make that move.’ But I took that risk.
“I always believed in myself, that I can play anywhere in any team, in any country. I’m the type of player who is brave, who loves to take chances. It’s my mentality. I certainly took on a challenge in Spain and it’s the same here. I’m not afraid to fight.”
Kieran Trippier Injury
After such excitement, Kieran Trippier lasted just 316 minutes into his Newcastle career before injury hit. The former Spurs right-back had started well at the club when he suffered a fractured metatarsal, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Newcastle managed to pull away from the relegation zone even without Trippier with other January signings have a significant impact. At the end of April, though, the Magpies received some positive news on the England international.
Trippier returned to training with the team ahead of the match with Liverpool, though Howe was noncommittal when asked if he will play again this season.
He said, “Kieran has been back on the grass and trained with us. One session. Callum is not quite there yet but he is edging closer. He is doing a lot of hard work and we will be guided by the sports science team.”
Newcastle, who are well clear of the relegation zone and are eyeing a top half finish after four straight wins, have no reason to rush Trippier back.
Any fresh injury would jeopardise Trippier’s availability for preseason and perhaps even the start of the 2022-23 campaign with the season getting underway early to compensate for the Qatar World Cup this winter.
World Cup Chances
Gareth Southgate has trusted Kieran Trippier over some of his flashier peers. Trippier treated England fans to the highest of joys with his World Cup semi-final free-kick four years ago, and the veteran right-back will have his eyes on a trip to Qatar in 2022.
It’s a fiercely competitive spot in this England squad, though, and Trippier has his work cut out to earn a place against two of the best defenders in the world in Kyle Walker or Reece James.
While Southgate has often left Trent Alexander-Arnold out, citing defensive concerns, the Liverpool man is bound to at least be in the squad if he’s fully fit.
Trippier needs to put in a strong run of form at the start of next season. It will only help if Newcastle can pick up in 2022-23 where they left off in 2021-22.
He feels like an outsider for the World Cup squad as it stands, and it’s probably his last chance with his 32nd birthday coming up in September, but we know Southgate has real belief in Trippier, and that could make all the difference.
