Newcastle United are set to keep hold of Kieran Trippier this week, despite constant speculation linking the right-back with a move to Turkey.
The Turkish transfer window remains open until Friday and the 33-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from Fenerbahce, Beskitas and Eyupspor. It was even claimed by one journalist, Resat Can Ozbudak, that the latter had agreed personal terms with Trippier but that is understood be false.
Trippier has proven to be a transformative signing since arriving from Atletico Madrid in January 2022 with his opening 18 months coinciding with Newcastle’s rapid rise from battling Premier League relegation to qualifying for the Champions League.
But since the turn of the year, there have been question marks over his future. The Magpies rejected two bids from Bayern Munich in January before Trippier missed nine of last season’s remaining 12 games with a calf injury.
At the beginning of this campaign, Trippier has lost the captain’s armband to Bruno Guimaraes following his promotion into the player leadership group and found himself behind Tino Livramento, who has started all three opening Premier League matches.
Trippier is said to be open to ending his two-and-a-half-year stay at St James’ Park but head coach Eddie Howe continues to hold the former England international to the highest regard, therefore putting a block on a potential departure.
Howe has been clear and consistent in his message that he does not want to lose Trippier, and NewcastleWorld understands his wish has been supported by sporting director Paul Mitchell.
“Yeah, I absolutely want Kieran here,” said Howe after the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. “That hasn’t changed and that won’t change. I woke up to the [Turkey transfer] stories via a few messages as you do so it’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
In Trippier and Livramento, Newcastle believe they have two quality right-backs who, by competing for a place, can elevate each other’s game. There is a reluctance to weaken that, especially when the English transfer window is closed. Only a sizeable offer could change that.
After announcing his international retirement last month, Trippier has remained on Tyneside and could start Sunday’s Premier League trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.