Newcastle United have completed the signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, and both clubs have confirmed the transfer on their official social media channels.
The 31-year-old England international has finally returned to the Premier League after being linked with a move back to England for months.
The defender was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United at the start of the season.
According to reports, Trippier has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Newcastle United, and the magpies have paid a fee in the region of £12 million-plus add ons.
Newcastle will be delighted to have pulled off the signing of an experienced England international. It will be interesting to see whether Trippier can help them solve the defensive problems.
Newcastle are currently 19 in the Premier League table, having conceded 42 goals so far this season. They needed to improve their back four to stand a chance of beating relegation.
However, signing a right-back might not be enough, and Newcastle should look to bring in a quality centre back as well before the January transfer window closes.
Meanwhile, Trippier has played in the Premier League before with Tottenham, and he should be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact at Newcastle.
The 31-year-old is more than just a defender, and he will also improve Newcastle going forward.
The England international is an exceptional crosser of the ball, and he can be lethal from free-kicks as well.
The player has revealed his delight after completing the move back to the Premier League, and he has claimed that Newcastle are a fantastic club, and he wanted to join them.
The defender has worked with Eddie Howe in the past, and it remains to be seen whether the newly appointed Newcastle manager can get the best out of his first January signing.
“I’m delighted to be joining this fantastic club,” Trippier said.
“I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I became aware of interest from Newcastle United and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
“I’m aware there is a lot of work ahead of us, but I know the demands of the Premier League well, and I know what an amazing club this is with very talented players.
“I can’t wait to get started, and I’m excited to step out at St James’ Park as a Newcastle player.”
