Atletico Madrid sell Trippier to Newcastle
Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement over English right-back Kieran Trippier.
According to the BBC, the Spanish champions agreed to sell Trippier to Newcastle for £13 million. The 31-year-old, who has been an important part of Diego Simeone’s set up, was angling for a move back home.
Given their position in the league and the fact they were recently bought by a wealthy owner, it was only a matter of time before Newcastle started flashing the cash and they have done so, relatively speaking, with the Trippier signing.
Simeone would have rather he stayed but did not want to keep a player against his will.
"“I always look at the positive things,” Simeone said.“I am absolutely grateful to all the time that Kieran has been here with us.“The club has given him 48 hours to resolve the situation.“He has behaved very well, he has worked very well, he has been a very important footballer for us.“And now for us, it is to always look ahead. To what is coming. And look for alternatives, as always, so that things work.”Source: Evening Chronicle"
Losing Trippier is a significant blow for Atletico Madrid who have struggled for the same consistency they showed last season. They now must enter the transfer market to try to sign a replacement.
According to Diario AS, they have already identified a replacement and are interested in signing Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea. Azpilicueta’s contract runs out at the end of the season and talks with Chelsea seem to be moving slowly.
The Premier League side is said to be willing to listen to offers and that is where Atletico come in. Simeone has given the go-ahead but they are not the only La Liga side interested in him.
Barcelona are reportedly also eyeing a move but would prefer to wait until the summer when he would arrive as a free agent.
Next. Insigne to leave Napoli for MLS and Toronto FC. dark
That being said, Atletico could be in the driver’s seat if their plan is to sign Azpilicueta during the winter transfer window as Chelsea would likely prefer to get a fee rather than letting him leave on a free come the summer.