Newcastle absolutely should sell Kieran Trippier this month, but only on one condition

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Sell or keep – that is the decision that Newcastle United must make regarding Kieran Trippier this month.

To the shock of most fans, rumours have emerged that Kieran Trippier could leave the club during the January transfer window. Bayern Munich are trying to sign him, as they look to reunite the right-back with former Tottenham teammates Harry Kane and Eric Dier.

It has been reported that Newcastle have turned down Bayern Munich’s advances so far, with Eddie Howe very keen to keep Trippier on Tyneside. That is understandable, given just how important he is to the club.

But Bayern are planning to make another bid for the England international, and there is one scenario where it would perhaps make sense for the Toon hierarchy to sanction Trippier’s shocking departure.

FA Cup should seal Kieran Trippier’s Newcastle fate

Newcastle United’s next game is absolutely massive. They are away to Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday night, after beating Sunderland in the previous round.

The FA Cup is the Magpies’ only chance of silverware this season, while it could also represent our best chance of qualifying for Europe.

That is why Eddie Howe will go full strength at Craven Cottage, which should result in Kieran Trippier starting – providing he has not already been sold before Saturday’s game.

In truth, it is the clash in the capital that should dictate whether or not Trippier stays or goes.

If we make it through to round five, he absolutely should stay. It would mean that we are still competing on two fronts and that we still need the depth.

But if we suffer elimination at the hands of Fulham then a move away might actually make sense. It would leave Newcastle to only focus on the Premier League, where they have tumbled down to 10th and face an uphill battle to get back in the top six.

For many, this season will be over if Newcastle are knocked out of the FA Cup, and could lead to them focusing their efforts on preparing for the following campaign. It is already evident that a lot of investment is needed, and that will only be possible if some players are sold.

That is why FA Cup elimination should open the door to sell Trippier. We would be able to cope for the rest of the campaign with Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth, while it would mean there is money to spend either now or in the summer.

In contrast, waiting until the summer to move Trippier on could see his value drop, meaning his departure would have less of a positive impact on our ability to spend.

It will be sad to see Trippier go if he is sold by Newcastle, but it does make sense from a business perspective. And it will make even more sense if we lose to Fulham on Saturday.