'Absolutely' - Defender will link up Newcastle United next week after Dubai 'meeting'

Jordan Cronin
By Jordan Cronin

Newcastle United Football Writer at NewcastleWorld

Published 31st Jul 2024, 05:24 BST
Updated 31st Jul 2024, 06:04 BST
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Eddie Howe has defended Kieran Trippier after his social media post fuelled talk of him leaving Newcastle United this summer.

The England right-back, who has been handed extra time off after reaching the Euro 2024 final with England, was spotted at Newcastle Airport on Friday afternoon checking in to a flight to Dubai.

Less than 24 hours later, Trippier uploaded to Instagram, posing for a photo with Al Ettifaq head of scouting Tom Spring at the Nobu Atlantis restaurant with the caption “good meeting”.

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Kieran Trippier and Eddie Howe embrace following the defeat at Everton last seasonKieran Trippier and Eddie Howe embrace following the defeat at Everton last season
Kieran Trippier and Eddie Howe embrace following the defeat at Everton last season | Getty Images

Spring has been at Al-Ettifaq with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard since January having previously worked at AFC Bournemouth for six years as first-team recruitment and analyst scout when Howe was there.

Trippier is attracting from the Saudi Pro League but Howe believes the ‘meeting’ wasn’t transfer related.

Newcastle’s head coach said: "It is difficult for me to comment on. For Kieran he is on holiday and he is having down time after exploits with the national team. Yeah, he has total freedom to enjoy his holiday. The picture in question is a personal relationship, I don't think it is related to any club."

The 33-year-old is due to return for pre-season next week when the Magpies are back from their week-long tour of Tokyo. When asked if Trippier would return as planned, Howe replied: "Yeah absolutely."

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The Magpies rejected two advances from Bayern Munich in January with Trippier reaffirming his commitment to Newcastle in the month after. Since then however, links to Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged. Trippier turns 34 in September and as it stands, is unlikely to be handed a new contract.

Editor, Liam Kennedy and football writer Jordan Cronin with Mobility Care Solutions Claire and Terry Batten, and dog Murphy.Editor, Liam Kennedy and football writer Jordan Cronin with Mobility Care Solutions Claire and Terry Batten, and dog Murphy.
Editor, Liam Kennedy and football writer Jordan Cronin with Mobility Care Solutions Claire and Terry Batten, and dog Murphy. | sn

Konnichiwa! Newcastle United are in Japan - and so too are NewcastleWorld!Our Newcastle United writer Jordan Cronin is there all week, providing coverage of the tour, behind the scenes video and analysis from Tokyo. 

And we’re proud to announce that our Newcastle United coverage of the tour has a sponsor! Every story from Japan is sponsored by Mobility Care Solutions Ltd, with the shop’s official mascot Murphy!

Eddie Howe's men take on Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, July 31. They then face J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday, August 3.

For more information on Mobility Care Solutions Ltd click this link.

Related topics:Kieran TrippierEddie HoweEnglandEuro 2024Steven GerrardSaudi Pro LeagueBayern MunichSaudi ArabiaLiverpool

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