Reports: Bayern Munich keen on Newcastle’s Trippier
Bayern Munich have expressed their interest in luring Kieran Trippier to the Allianz Arena in January.
It’s understood that Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of the English full-back, who was one of Newcastle United’s marquee signings when the new owners took charge of the club. The 33-year-old has certainly not ruled out the prospect of a new adventure, as reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.
Trippier, who played a remarkable role in guiding the Magpies to the Champions League and the EFL Cup final last year, is open to reuniting with former teammates and Tottenham Hotspur players Harry Kane and Eric Dier.
The talks, according to sources, have been held over a potential permanent transfer and not a loan deal. The Bavarians are presently in search of a right-back and have also stepped up their pursuit of French talent Nordi Mukiele.
Bayern boss Tuchel admitted that his team is in the market for the same position, conceding “We’re looking for a right-back so we’ll see if something is possible. We’ve got used to Konrad Laimer at right-back but it’s not his best position.”
As it stands, Trippier is more of a plan B with PSG’s Mukiele the first-choice target.
The full-back’s stocks have fallen drastically in recent weeks, with back-to-back errors in a 3-0 defeat over Everton hinting at an apparent burnout of a player who featured in all 38 Premier League matches last season. He has eight assists to his name across 28 appearances this term while the Toon have slipped to 10th place on the league table on the back of four straight losses.
And that’s not all, a late, mis-timed header in the EFL Cup quarterfinal versus Chelsea from Trippier led to Mykhailo Mudryk’s leveler – which saw the Blues knock Newcastle out on penalties.
Not all is merry at the Tyneside. Following a 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth, the English international was seen soaked in an altercation with an angry set of fans, exclaiming, “Are the lads not giving everything? How many injuries have we got?”
Despite all that, Trippier stands atop the list of crosses attempted and trails only Bruno Fernandes as the PL’s chief chance creator. The winter break would have done Newcastle a world of good, and their decision with this speculation could shape the defender’s immediate future.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle have rejected Bayern’s first approach for their vice-captain. However the German powerhouse is expected to circle back with an improved offer in the coming days.
Stranger things have happened in the concluding days of January transfer windows, and the new Trippier saga is one to keep an eye on.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Кирилл Венедиктов. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.