Newcastle, who play Cambridge United in the third round of the FA Cup, where Trippier is likely to make his debut from the substitute’s bench, are second from bottom in the table and Trippier would not say if there was a relegation clause in his contract. Given his talk of playing for England, it would seem unlikely he will stay if Newcastle do lose their relegation battle.
“I know the position they’re in,” Tripper added. “I’m here to help as much as I can on and off the field. We have some good players, a good manager and we are good enough to stay in the league.
“I have a great relationship with [Eddie Howe]. I’ve kept in contact with him ever since I left Burnley 10 or 11 years ago. He’s another big reason why he came here. I know what he demands and I know the style of football he wants to play, front foot, attacking football. I cannot wait to get started.”
Howe echoes that Trippier is not in it ‘for the money’ and predicts more elite players to sign for Newcastle
by Luke Edwards
Eddie Howe is hoping the signing of England international Kieran Trippier will help persuade other elite players to join Newcastle United this month as he denied the former Atletico Madrid player had only come for the money.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, with the option of another year, and will become the club’s highest earner on more than £100,000-a-week. The fee will be around £15 million, with £12 million paid up front.
It is the first time Newcastle have signed an established England international since Michael Owen joined from Real Madrid in 2005 and is a sign of how much things have changed under their new Saudi Arabian owners.
The club are still working frantically to bring in more defenders and a second bid, thought to be around £40 million, has been made for Lille centre back Sven Botman.
For now, Howe is just delighted to have signed such a quality player, his first as Newcastle manager.
“We are absolutely delighted to get him,” said Howe. “Hopefully this is a signing, potentially, that other players around the world look at and think they would also like to come here. That they share his vision and dream.
“He is going to bring a huge amount, on and off the pitch. Off the pitch, his leadership qualities and his mentality, he is very driven to succeed and all the experience he has accumulated over the years will help us in our current situation.
“On the pitch we have an outstanding technical player who will attack very well and bring a level of calmness to our play and he is a top defender as well.
“We haven’t intended it to be a statement signing, it’s just about identifying the right player for the right position.
“The most important thing is what I know Kieran will bring to the team in both dynamics. The mentality he brings into the group is crucial he is up for the fight of a relegation battle, he is up for the fight now but he also sees a longer term vision for the club and what that will bring him in his career.”
Detractors have pointed to Trippier’s age and the wages on offer at Newcastle to knock the deal, but Howe was not impressed by that.
He added: “It’s a sign the club has a huge pull. I’m not talking about finances here. Kieran has not come for the money or the financial benefits. He has come because of the club and the long term vision we have. That’s a massive thing for the football club.”
Howe would not be drawn into talking about any of the other players Newcastle are chasing this month.
He said: “I’m confident [there will be more] but can’t give promises. We’re working hard to improve, without anything necessarily imminent. The outlook is changing by the hour & we’re working to secure signings. I’ve learned to laugh at how many players we’re linked to.
“I’d say at this moment, I am confident. But we’re in the hands of clubs selling players, we’re in the hands of agents and players wanting to come so no guarantees.”
