Kieran Trippier joins Newcastle in £12m deal from Atletico Madrid
Kieran Trippier has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further year; Newcastle and Atletico agreed a deal following smooth and positive talks on Tuesday; the England international becomes the first signing under the new Saudi owners of Newcastle.
Newcastle have signed right-back Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12m, plus add-ons.
The England right-back has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further year.
Trippier flew into Tyneside on Wednesday in a private jet following the conclusion of smooth and positive talks between the two clubs on Tuesday.
The club are paying £12m plus add-ons to make the 31-year-old the first signing under Newcastle’s Saudi owners.
Newcastle are awaiting clearance regarding Trippier’s availability to play against Cambridge United in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
Atletico hoped Trippier would stay, but the former Tottenham defender made it clear he wanted to return to England.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe worked with Trippier while in charge of Burnley, signing the right-back from Manchester City in January 2012 after an impressive loan spell at Turf Moor.
“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,” said Trippier.
Newcastle’s owners hope to recruit at least three more players this month as they look to keep the club in the Premier League.
They have submitted an improved offer for Lille defender Sven Botman.
Botman, who is valued at over £25m (€30m) and has three years left on his deal, is Newcastle’s primary centre-back target.
Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell is another target, but they face competition from an unnamed Premier League club.
They are second-bottom in the table and two points from safety after 19 league matches this season.
Howe added: “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.”
