Kieran Trippier did not play for the Newcastle United first-team last weekend, as he was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Southampton.
Tino Livramento got the nod to start at right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier, which was not a major surprise given what has gone on in pre-season.
Trippier returned late after reaching the final of Euro 2024 with England, while Livramento played very well during Newcastle United‘s friendlies. And he followed that up with a solid performance in the win over the Saints.
While Trippier did not feature on Saturday, he was in action for the Magpies a couple of days later.
He was announced in the starting XI for Newcastle Under-21s vs Sunderland, alongside fellow senior player Matt Targett. The left-back got some minutes in his legs, having had two lengthy injuries since November.
Both Trippier and Targett played 45 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, and now a report has shared why the former was involved.
According to the Times, Trippier asked to play in the Under-21s fixture on Monday night, after making just one pre-season appearance for the Magpies and subsequently not featuring in the Premier League opener against Southampton.
Two new clubs interested in signing Kieran Trippier
While Trippier has been playing for Newcastle’s Under-21s, speculation over his future continues.
He is in the final year of his Toon contract, and it has been reported this summer that Trippier probably will leave Newcastle United.
However, a move to West Ham is no longer an option after the Hammers completed a deal to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
There is also interest in Trippier from Saudi Arabia, while two other clubs have entered the conversation.
The Times report that Atalanta and Galatasaray are both interested in Trippier – two clubs that could give the England international the chance to play in the Champions League.
Atalanta are definitely in the league stage of competition, while Galatasaray are aiming to qualify for it next week. They face Young Boys in the second leg of their qualifier next week, but will go into the game 3-2 down on aggregate after losing the first leg on Wednesday night.
What will happen if Trippier stays at Newcastle United
If those options do not appeal to Trippier, he could remain at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe wants to keep Trippier at the club, so would be delighted if that happened.
However, he may no longer be Newcastle’s first choice right-back.
Livramento started ahead of him against Southampton, and the Times add that Trippier is not expected to start the game against Bournemouth this weekend either.
There is also the captaincy situation, with Bruno Guimaraes named as Newcastle’s team captain rather than Trippier. That may suggest that the veteran defender is leaving, as he has always worn the armband at Newcastle when Jamaal Lascelles has not played.
With everything going on, the most likely conclusion is that Trippier leaves Newcastle United this summer.
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