According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United are set to sell right-back Kieran Trippier this summer as Saudi Pro clubs circle for his signature.
The Magpies require reinforcements this summer after a disappointing campaign in the Premier League last season and supporters will surely be hoping the club hierarchy will soon start making some impactful signings before the transfer window closes.
A seventh-place finish wasn’t enough to secure European football as Manchester United snatched the spot away from the Geordies following an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Whilst out of their control, there were numerous chances missed to compete for the fourth spot they had deservedly earned in 2023 and the dreams of the Champions League being played out in real life will give the North East giants a taste for more when they return to action next month.
It is no secret that Newcastle have been on a tightrope when it comes to complying with their FFP obligations and for that reason, it would be sensible to expect that selling players who are surplus to need will be a priority before the club commits to investing further.
It has been reported this week by the Northern Echo that the Tyneside club are set to sell their star right-back Kieran Trippier before the transfer window closes amid the potential offer of a contract in the Saudi Pro League tabled for the Euro 2024 finalist.
The England international is now in the last year of his contract and with injuries plaguing the player’s form towards the end of last season, Newcastle are prepared to move on without him as Tino Livramento can step up into the first choice right-back role.
Should Newcastle sell Kieran Trippier?
There is no doubt that Trippier has been one of the most impactful signings made since the Saudi-led takeover and has been the leader on the pitch that the club was crying out for, for so long.
Former England boss Gareth Southgate waxed lyrical about the £120k-per-week Englishman this summer, as he showed resilience in his covering role of the left-back position during the Euros despite clearly struggling with injuries:
“We’ll have to see how Tripps is. He’s been an absolute soldier for us. To fill in the way he has, on the wrong side of the pitch, with the injuries he’s had coming into the tournament, is exceptional.”
However, with the 33-year-old reaching the latter stages of his career, suffering with knocks and out of contract next summer, it makes perfect sense for the club to start focusing on the future, whilst also collecting whatever cash they can get for the right-back should an offer be presented.
It will be interesting to see what Newcastle would deem as an acceptable fee to part ways with the full-back this summer, however, this deal could be pushed through at a cut-price if an opportunity arises for the club to strengthen with a new addition or two before the transfer window shuts.
