Newcastle United sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, the club announced on Friday.
England have returned to the Premier League after a successful two-and-a-half-year spell in Spain.
The defender has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal and becomes Newcastle's first since being acquired by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in October.
"I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful club," Trippier told the club's official website. "I really enjoyed my time at Madrid, but when I learned of interest from Newcastle United, and had previously worked with Eddie Howe, I knew this was where I wanted to be. .
I’m so happy to be joining Newcastle. Everyone knows the fans are unbelievably passionate and I will give my absolute all for them. I can’t wait to get to work 💪🏼
— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) January 7, 2022
Thank you to everyone at @nufc & the fans for the very warm welcome I have received so far 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/6d0raRrpnv
"I know we have a lot of work ahead of us but I know very well the demands of the Premier League and I know what an amazing club this is with a lot of talented players.
"I can't wait to get started and I'm excited to make the move to St James' Park as a Newcastle player."
Trippier, 31, made 86 appearances for Atletico in all competitions since joining Tottenham in 2019, helping them win the LaLiga title last season.
ESPN reported in December that Atletico were hoping to bid for Trippier from Newcastle when the January transfer window opens.
"I am really pleased to welcome Kieran to Newcastle United," said Newcastle boss Howe. “I have long admired his abilities and followed his career, so when we had the opportunity to secure him, we did not hesitate.
“A lot of hard work has gone into planning the January transfer window long before the month starts, which is clear from how quickly we have been able to make this move. I am very pleased with everyone involved, especially our bosses and I I want to thank Kieran again on the training pitch."
The club and coach were keen to keep Diego Simeone Trippier - who had a contract at Wanda Metropolitano until 2023 - and considered him a key member of the team.
There was however an acknowledgment that the defender favored a return to England, having previously expressed interest in joining Manchester United last summer.
"He's extraordinary. Ever since he arrived, he's always given us so many great things," Simeone said last week. "We want him to be, but you can't hold someone captive these days."
Trippier scored in Atletico's 2-0 LaLiga win over Rio Vallecano on Sunday, but then missed training on Tuesday as the move was nearing completion.
Sources told ESPN that Atletico had already begun looking for a possible replacement for Trippier and were prioritizing the signing of a right-back who could also play in central defence.
The club is expected to invest heavily during the January window to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
