Eddie Howe makes his feelings clear on Newcastle United 'difference-maker' ahead of summer transfer window

Eddie Howe wants to keep Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United next season amid speculation surrounding his future.

Trippier starred for the Magpies in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town at St James’ Park, setting up both second-half goals for Dan Burn and Will Osula. It is the second time Trippier has registered two assists or more in a single game for the club after the 8-0 victory at Sheffield United in September 2023.

The 34-year-old has proven to be a transformative signing for United since joining from Atletico Madrid in January 2022, playing a leading role both on and off the pitch. That is despite enduring a difficult 2024.

Trippier remains a huge part of Newcastle’s player leadership group but lost his captaincy to Bruno Guimaraes at the beginning of the season, which coincided with him dropping behind Tino Livramento in the right-back pecking order. But since returning to the starting XI at the beginning of March, Trippier has started all nine matches since.

Asked about Trippier after the Ipswich win, Howe paid tribute to the right-back.

Howe said: “No, I don't think there are [many better in his position]. I think it's a real testament to his ability, his physical ability to do what he does at his age. It's not easy. He's playing one of the hardest positions to execute.

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“His cross for the second goal just sums up his quality, really. He's a difference maker for us. He brings obvious qualities on the ball, but his leadership skills and his experience helps us in so many different ways.”

Eddie Howe wants to keep Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United

Newcastle rejected a £13million bid from Bayern Munich for Trippier last January, a decision that was largely viewed as the correct one at the time. However, it was later placed under the microscope when, five months later, the Magpies were forced to offload young duo Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh for a combined £68m to Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion, respectively, in order to comply with Premier League Profitability & Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Speculation surrounding Trippier’s future continued into the summer and January with Everton and various clubs overseas showing interest. However, Howe has fought to keep the right-back with further funds raised via the sales of Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly at the beginning of the year.

Trippier - who turns 35 in September and is out of contract next summer - will likely be the subject of interest again this summer but Howe has revealed he wants him to stay next season.

“Yeah, I mean, it goes without saying,” Howe said. “We want to keep our best players and add to the squad if possible. And that's a big thing.”

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