Eddie Howe’s bold stance on Kieran Trippier saga revealed after £20m sale agreed
Eddie Howe will not want to lose Kieran Trippier as Newcastle United prepare for an approach from Galatasaray.
Just hours after the Magpies reportedly agreed to sell Lloyd Kelly, news emerged about Trippier possibly heading for the St James’ Park exit. Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Newcastle and Juventus are working on a loan deal for Kelly, with an obligation to become permanent for £20million.
His sale would follow Miguel Almiron’s return to Atlanta United - finalised at the back end of last week. Outgoings were always going to be Newcastle’s focus in January given the tight PSR landscape.
A strong league position allowed the Magpies to adopt a policy of “keeping their powder dry” until the summer. However, back-to-back home defeats to Bournemouth and Fulham have triggered concerns about Eddie Howe’s squad, especially regarding his reinforcements from the bench.
Trippier has started just two Premier League games since October but remains a key figure in the dressing room. Despite playing a backseat role this season, the 34-year-old has not downed tools and remains a trusted Howe lieutenant.
Galatasaray are reportedly expressing interest, although a deal at this stage, while not impossible, looks unlikely. Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir were keen on the right-back last summer.
Toon boss Howe has made his annoyance clear several times about finances overruling “footballing decisions” in recent times. Amid reports linking Trippier to Everton, the 47-year-old outlined why he is still a vital player for Newcastle.
“I'm surprised by a lot of the stories that have come out,” Howe told reporters. “(He's) a valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first-class. I'm not really sure where this has come from. His leadership skills, his ability with the ball, his assist record, everything he brings to the group we definitely want here."