OFFICIAL: Newcastle sign Atletico Madrid star Trippier for £12m
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 7 Jan 2022 08:08 GMT
- 3 min read
Kieran Trippier has become the first signing of a new era at Newcastle United, with the Premier League outfit signing the England defender from Atletico Madrid.
Trippier arrives at St James’ Park for a reported initial fee of £12 million and has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the option of a third at the Magpies.
It is anticipated that the 31-year-old, who had 18 months to run on his Atletico Madrid deal, will be the first of many big deals completed by Newcastle this January, with the club seeking to invest money brought in by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Returning to England is thought to have been a priority for Trippier as his wife and children did not move with him to Spain.
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'There is a lot of work ahead of us...'
"I'm delighted to be joining this fantastic club," said the defender in a statement on the club's website.
"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."
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe 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 is a player well known to Toon boss Howe, having previously worked with him at Burnley, which was the first permanent stop in his career after leaving Manchester City, where he spent 13 years in the youth and reserve ranks.
Tottenham snapped up the defender in 2015 and after four years at White Hart Lane he made the leap to Atletico Madrid for a fee of €20m plus bonuses.
In the Spanish capital, Trippier claimed his first major trophy by winning La Liga on the final day of the 2020/21 season.
What next for Newcastle?
Newcastle’s next move will be to further strengthen their defensive line, with numerous central defenders linked with a January switch.
Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti, a World Cup winner, is among those associated with the club but Lille’s Sven Botman appears to be the player that the club are more intent on pursuing.
Newcastle’s business this month will certainly not stop at Trippier, with several more players expected to arrive.
