Kieran Trippier completes move to EFL club on free transfer after Newcastle exit

Kieran Trippier has completed a free transfer to Wolves.

The former England defender has signed what is believed to be a two-year deal having left Newcastle as a free agent at the end of the season.

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Wolves will play Championship football next season after finishing rock-bottom of the Premier League.

talkSPORT previously reported manager Rob Edwards had held personal talks with Trippier.

I am delighted to join @Wolves, a new chapter and one I’m ready for. I’m looking forward to working with the team, and giving my all on the pitch. I can’t wait to meet the fans and play at Molineux,” Trippier said on X upon completing his move.

Trippier joined the Toon in January 2022, becoming the first high-profile signing following the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

He played a huge role in the Magpies winning the Carabao Cup and playing Champions League football twice.

Trippier was given a huge send-off from the Magpies faithful at the end of the 2025/26 season and leaves as a club legend.

At the time of his departure being announced, he said: “The time has come to leave this amazing club after four-and-a-half years.

“This is where I have felt most at home. It’s emotional, and I’m really going to miss it.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the supporters for all the support through the good and the bad times for me personally. You’ve always supported me, always stood by me.

“To my teammates, it’s going to be emotional. It’s been an amazing journey with you guys.

“I’m going to miss you all, but to win a trophy with you guys was really, really special – the best of my career.

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“And to the manager, Eddie Howe, all the coaching staff and the team behind the scenes, a massive thank you.

“The gaffer had the trust – twice [at Burnley previously] – to sign me, gave me the opportunity to represent and captain this great club and most importantly, we managed to win a
trophy.

“I’m going to miss everyone at the club. Thank you.”

Wolves rebuild

Ahead of a return to the Championship after a successful eight-year stay in the Premier League, Wolves are preparing for a lot of incomings and outgoings.

talkSPORT understands that Joao Gomes is close to joining Atletico Madrid for just under £40million.

The Brazil international missed out on World Cup selection, but he will be departing Molineux.

Meanwhile, former fans’ favourite Raul Jimenez has opened the door for a dramatic return with the striker leaving Fulham on a free transfer this summer.

Speaking on his future and asked about a Wolves return by the Express and Star, the Mexican recently said: “Why not? There is always a possibility. Let’s see.

“It would be nice, more after today, let’s see.

“I don’t know, maybe. But I don’t know.”

Trippier’s legacy

talkSPORT’s Inside The Toon YouTube show discussed the lasting impact of Trippier’s time at the club.

Head of Sport for The Sun, Shaun Custis, said: “He’s transformed Newcastle for me. He turned us into a team that can believe in achieving big things. 

“If you have won La Liga, for goodness sake, then you can achieve big things. He knows what it’s like when you’re nearly there, when he was at Spurs and didn’t get the in the Champions League.

“Although we didn’t get to that point, he knows sort of what it takes to get there. I’m sure he changed the mentality of them completely.”

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talkSPORT’s Jack Cunningham added: “It is the right time for him to move on. He’s the best right-back I’ve seen play for Newcastle.

He was the first man to make that leap, after the takeover, from Atletico Madrid. He’d just won LaLiga. He comes to a team who are 19th in the Premier League, scores two massive free kicks, then he got injured, but then the season after, it was unbelievable. 

“He was really good for half the season after as well. Then last year, the cup final performance, outrageous in that game when we needed a player to be at his top level. 

“What I really liked after the game on Sunday is that he praised Woltemade. 

“Specifically, Nick’s got a lot of criticism this season, but he’s been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, doing a lot of dog work in midfield. He will score goals. He will do well for Newcastle.

“So even when he’s leaving, he’s still being a class act. I hope he does well wherever he goes.”