Kieran Trippier exit hints at Newcastle United power shift as Eddie Howe comments speak volumes

Modern-day Newcastle legend Kieran Trippier’s exit hints at a potential power shift at the club, according to the Inside The Toon panel.

Last week, it was announced that the former England international’s time on Tyneside will be coming to an end once his deal expires in the summer.

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Trippier joined Newcastle just after the takeover by the Saudi Arabian PIF went through in October 2021.

The right-back swapped Atletico Madrid for Tyneside while the Toon were embroiled in a relegation battle.

He cost just £12million, and played his part in the Magpies winning their first domestic trophy in 70 years and qualifying for the Champions League twice.

Newcastle made it as far as they ever have in UEFA’s premier competition this year by reaching the last 16 before being dismantled by Barcelona.

But having worked with Eddie Howe so closely, there is a feeling that the Englishman would have liked to keep Trippier, given he’s a key part of the leadership group at St James’ Park.

With a new sporting director and CEO in place, myself and Clinton Forde discussed some of the power shifts around transfers and squad building.

Speaking on the latest edition of Inside The Toon, we discussed Trippier’s departure.

On Trippier, I said: “I can’t sit here and say that I haven’t been saying he should leave for a while. I have been saying that Trippier’s time in the starting XI is done.

“Unfortunately, his legs aren’t there anymore. He’s still got the technique, but it is the right time, and I am pleased it has been announced now, so we are not at the point where we get to the end of the season, and he’s had a few more bad performances, and everyone just wants him to go.

“But he can get his send-off. I don’t know how many more games he’ll play because Tino Livramento is fit now – I would probably prefer if Livramento played the majority of the games.

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“And what I do think is that it indicates a subtle power shift because I assume that Howe probably would probably have wanted to keep him and give him a one-year contract.

“It might also be Trippier’s decision as well, but I think it might be a sign of Ross Wilson and David Hopkinson saying, ‘we are going to be a little bit more ruthless’.

“And I have called for it. This squad is unfortunately at the end of its cycle. It doesn’t mean we are not appreciative of them. They’ve been incredible but for a lot of them, it is thank you, but it is time to move on and Trippier is one of those.”

Forde then put forward his point of view.

He said: “The time is right for him to move on.

“And this wasn’t an Eddie Howe decision. This was above his pay grade with Ross Wilson and David Hopkinson, who are going down a different model, and I like it.

“We are going for more of a Brighton or Bournemouth model, where we are looking abroad seeing if we can get more bang for our buck rather than buying the likes of Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, who have served us well, but they aren’t going to be here forever.

“We need to be buying players who are in their mid 20s, who we can move on when the time is right.”

Howe’s words

After it was confirmed that Trippier would leave Newcastle, Howe suggested that the decision came from the former Tottenham Hotspur man.

He said: “Kieran has handled himself superbly during this period. He came to see me and we had a discussion.

“He had a clear vision of what he saw his future looking like.

“We respected that and wanted him to get the best reception and reaction for his time here.

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“For me, he goes down as one of the best players to have played for me during my time.

“He has been a model of consistency; he has that will to win. He has been a really good leader, and he deserves to go with all the plaudits.”

With the 35-year-old departing, Newcastle now face the prospect of losing three right-backs.

talkSPORT understands Tino Livramento has shown no indication he will sign a new contract with Manchester City interested, while Emil Krafth’s deal is also up at the end of the year.

Goodbye, Tripps

For Trippier himself, he’s loved his time at Newcastle.

The full-back wanted to return to the north and has found a home on Tyneside, but the time has come for him to move on.

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In an emotional interview, 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.

“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.”