Newcastle United‘s new Saudi-led investment consortium has made England international Kieran Trippier their first signing, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Atletico Madrid full-back is set to join for a reported fee worth £12 million with add ons escalating the price-tag further.
Newcastle United Make Kieran Trippier First Signing of New Era
Kieran Trippier’s set to join Newcastle from Atletico Madrid as expected, done deal and here-we-go. ⚪️🤝 #NUFC
New ownership first signing completed after negotiations started in December.
Club sources talk of £12m plus add ons as per @SkySports_Keith – final fee not clear yet. pic.twitter.com/m7kOc17hPe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2022
Statement Signing
On the eye, Newcastle’s first recruit of the winter window is a certain statement of intent. Trippier is an established right-sided defender who can operate as a full-back or a wing-back. He brings an abundance of experience gathered on the domestic and international level, an attacking threat and defensive knowledge from Atletico manager Diego Simeone.
Trippier has received plenty of plaudits in the past too. England manager Gareth Southgate has previously labelled him a “defensive animal” and Simeone has called his skill with his feet “genius technically” before.
However, Newcastle fans will be eager to find out if he can translate all of this to Eddie Howe’s team. Madrid media reported Trippier is currently unfit, meaning his immediate availability will come into question.
In the long-term, Howe will be hopeful the 31-year-old will become a trusted lieutenant, similar to what Southgate has viewed him as. Eyes will be pealed to the type of impact Tripper will have in his return to the Premier League.
More Signings to Come
Trippier will be the first of many new arrivals flowing through the doors at St James’ Park. The only questions are who they are and when they will be.
Newcastle’s pursuit of defender Sven Botman reached a roadblock after Lille said he was not for sale, and the likelihood of Ousmane Dembele switching to the North East is still slim at this moment. Alternatives will be needed. The sooner Newcastle’s board can sort the transfers out, the better the position Howe will find himself in to relaunch their season.
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