Much has been made about Kieran Trippier’s future at Newcastle United of late.
Trippier, after all, was said to have agreed a move to Bayern Munich in January but ultimately remained a Newcastle player during a difficult second half of the season in which the player admitted his form had dropped.
While Eddie Howe reportedly wants to keep the defender at St James’ Park this summer, the links away have continued.
Indeed, the fact he was removed as team captain and replaced by Bruno Guimaraes only added fuel to the fire too.
A move to Saudi Arabia is not something Trippier is believed to be likely to consider, even if he has reportedly asked to leave Newcastle.
Now, Craig Hope has shared some insight into what Trippier is thinking behind the scenes.
What Kieran Trippier is now disappointed about at Newcastle
Speaking on a video posted on YouTube, Hope revealed that the timing of the captaincy decision is what has upset Trippier behind the scenes.
“From what I’m led to believe, speaking to as many different people as I possibly can, that’s the job of a journalist, I don’t think he was pleased by the timing of it,” he said.
“He was disappointed at that. Right on the eve of the season. He was told last week by Eddie Howe in one swoop that he wouldn’t be starting the game against Southampton – which I think he kind of expected.
“You know, having been in training only a couple of weeks. I don’t think he took a particular issue with that, but certainly the issue of the captaincy, he was upset by the timing of it.”
Kieran Trippier will not let Newcastle down
Perhaps there’s a logic in selling an ageing player who is showing signs of decline, particularly in a world where Newcastle are struggling to create the financial wiggle room to spend money themselves.
Still, keeping Trippier would not be a bad thing by any means.
Howe has talked up his professionalism in training, underlining just what a great character Trippier is around the club.
It’s natural that being demoted in the leadership ranks would upset a player, particularly one who has been a driving force since arriving at the club.
Trippier has every right to be disappointed but, such is the high esteem in which he’s held, it seems incredibly unlikely he’s going to be kicking up a fuss at the training ground.
If he does stay, Newcastle can count on Trippier.
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