Newcastle United is struggling in the Premier League, but hopes to turn its season around after the winter transfer window closes.
Kieran Trippier is the first important signing at St James’ Park since the multi-million Saudi takeover last year. Newcastle will pay almost $16.3 million to Atletico Madrid for Trippier’s services. He will sign a 2.5-year deal.
Trippier flew in from Madrid on a private jet on Wednesday and will undergo a medical evaluation at Newcastle’s training ground before his unveiling.
The 31-year-old right-back was keen on returning to England to be closer to his family, The Athletic reports. Newcastle plans to sign at least three new players before the transfer window shuts. The club’s decision-makers are on the hunt for two center-backs, a left-back, a midfielder, and a striker.
Trippier, who was capped 35 times by England (scoring once), previously played in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley. Last season, he won the Spanish league with Atletico Madrid, for which he made 83 appearances after joining in 2019. Trippier played his last game for Atletico on Sunday, as his team beat Rayo Vallecano 2-0.
Newcastle’s race for survival heats up
Newcastle sits second from bottom in the Premier League table with half the season’s games already played. They won 11 points in 19 games, winning just once. The good news is that Watford, who is first above the relegation zone, stands just two points away.
The bookies have Newcastle at -150 to get relegated at the end of the season, while survival is currently at -150. A top-10 finish is at a huge +6000.