Kieran Trippier sparked further Newcastle United transfer speculation last week but head coach Eddie Howe has played down any exit talk.
Trippier, who assisted England in winning the Euro 2024 championship, is presently on vacation. On Friday afternoon, he was seen checking onto an aircraft to Dubai at Newcastle Airport. The 33-year-old then shared a picture of herself at the Nobu Atlantis restaurant with Al Ettifaq head of scouting Tom Spring on Instagram, with the message, “good meeting.”
Spring served as a first-team recruiter and analytical scout for AFC Bournemouth for six years under Howe, before joining the legendary Liverpool player Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in January.
Howe said the “meeting” had nothing to do with transfers, even though the Saudi Pro League is showing a lot of interest in Trippier this summer.
The head coach of Newcastle stated: “It is hard for me to comment on. After his successes with the national team, Kieran is taking a vacation and relaxing. Yes, he is completely free to enjoy his vacation. I don’t believe the photograph in question has anything to do with any club; it’s just a personal friendship.”
When the Magpies return from their week-long tour of Tokyo next week, the 33-year-old is scheduled to make his preseason debut. Howe answered, “Yes, without a doubt,” when asked if Trippier will return on schedule.
Trippier reaffirmed his loyalty to Newcastle in January after the Magpies turned down two approaches from Bayern Munich.
But since then, ties to Saudi Arabia have grown quickly. Trippier’s current deal is slated to expire next summer, and he will turn 34 in September.
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