Reliable journalist Craig Hope has raised real questions about Kieran Trippier’s future at St. James’ Park after this season. It looks like a major era for the club is coming to an end. Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, Hope talked about the 35-year-old defender’s situation.
Trippier’s current deal runs out this coming summer. When Hope faced questions on the likelihood of a renewal for the veteran right-back, he gave a straight answer:
“Do I expect him to sign a new deal? No, I probably don’t.” This suggests the Magpies are getting ready to move on from one of their biggest modern signings once the season ends.
Furthermore, Hope noted that Trippier has recently returned to fitness and still has a role to play for now. However, the club seem ready for a change. Transfer rumours have linked the defender with a move away before.
As a result, this latest update pretty much confirms that his time on Tyneside is finishing up. Fans have to get ready to say goodbye to a player who helped drag the club from a relegation scrap into the Champions League.
He is still a big help for the next few months because of his leadership and crossing. Despite this, the club bosses seem focused on younger players. This leaves Trippier to find a new team for the final years of his career.
Inevitably, this exit makes people look closely at Newcastle United‘s strategy and the gap Trippier will leave. Looking at it practically, letting a 35-year-old on high wages leave at the end of his contract is just smart business.
It keeps the squad from getting stale, which often happens when teams keep older stars for too long. Plus, Tino Livramento has shown he is a natural, energetic replacement. The Englishman fits the physical style of Eddie Howe’s intense system better than Trippier does now. So, the change on the pitch might go smoothly when it comes to running and defending.
Is letting Kieran Trippier leave the right move for Newcastle United?
However, replacing what Trippier brings to the dressing room is a much harder task. His skill with set-pieces and the way he talks to the backline have saved the team many times. The club could lose their defensive shape without such a strong leader.
This is especially true if injuries hit the rest of the defence. Letting him go fits with a long-term plan for the future. Still, the short-term impact means others will have to step up in a big way. Ultimately, Trippier’s departure is just the next step for the team, but the Magpies will really miss the high standard he set during his time in the North East.
