Why Kieran Trippier is exactly who Newcastle need to stay in Premier League

James Shearman

• Updated: 7 Jan 2022 08:12 GMT
• 4 min read

Kieran Trippier has left La Liga title holders Atletico Madrid for relegation favourites Newcastle in a £12 million deal.

The 31-year-old was determined to return to the Premier League, despite leaving behind a team in the knockout phase of the Champions League.

He has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the option of a further year, one that should take him until the end of his career in top-flight football.

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The England right-back becomes the first signing of the Saudi Arabia-backed regime at St James' Park, of which survival is the main focus.

The new owners have ambitions of bringing silverware to the north East and do not want to face escaping the Championship before doing so.

As such, Newcastle are expected to sign at least three more players in the window as they look to leave Norwich, Watford and Burnley behind.

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 7, 2022

Why Trippier is exactly who Newcastle need

First of all, Newcastle have been extremely weak in the full-back positions. Jamal Lewis, Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett do not operate at a Premier League level.

That's been a significant problem when, especially in the modern era, full-backs are so crucial to a team's success, as major creators from wide areas in addition to the obvious defensive responsibilities.

And Trippier can provide those skills at a much higher level than the existing crop of players, on both the left and right side of the defence.

However, perhaps the most important factor in this being a superb piece of business is the England international's experience.

Trippier's stint with the La Liga champions, working under no other than Diego Simeone, can only have improved his game.

Not only that, experience of competing at major international tournaments as well as success in the Premier League with Tottenham will be invaluable to his new side.

All too often bottom-half teams bring in young talents from across Europe that have no idea of how to deal with the pressures of a relegation fight - Norwich's summer signings of Christos Tzolis, Josh Sargeant and Milot Rashica are a prime example.

Last of all, the relationship between the 31-year-old and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe should make for an easy transition.

Trippier excelled under the Magpies boss in the Championship with Burnley, signing from Manchester City on the back of a successful loan spell.