Kieran Trippier announced as a Newcastle United player

Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Kieran Trippier has completed his £12m transfer from Atlético de Madrid to Newcastle United, finalising his long-awaited switch from Spain back home to England.

And Newcastle United are off the mark under the Saudi regime and have announced their first signing in the new era and for the January transfer window — more fresh faces are set to follow Kieran Trippier to Tyneside.

"Newcastle have signed right-back Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12m, plus add-ons.The England right-back has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further year.Trippier flew into Tyneside on Wednesday in a private jet following the conclusion of smooth and positive talks between the two clubs on Tuesday.The club are paying £12m plus add-ons to make the 31-year-old the first signing under Newcastle’s Saudi owners. (Via: Sky Sports)"

Newcastle working from the back with Kieran Trippier signing

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle side are currently the joint-worst conceding team in the Premier League alongside Norwich City and have conceded as many as 42 goals.

Added to their misery, they have only been able to keep two clean sheets this season, and that is across all competitions — this was their 1-0 home victory over Burnley in a league meeting and their loss on penalties to the same team back in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Kieran Trippier adds many years of experience and is Premier League ready. He will not only help stabilise the defensive line and add depth to both fullback positions, but he will also help on the attacking end of the pitch.

Known for his quality delivery, pin-point long balls, and being a free-kick specialist; Trippier adds quality in many areas of the Magpies gameplay — they now have somebody to join Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie in dead ball situations.

A good start in the January transfer window for the second-last placed team in the Premier League. As per reports, they will not stop there and said to be following the Englishman to St James’ Park and help him sure up the backline, Lille’s Sven Botman.

The Toons boss spoke on how important this transfer window is and how long they’ve been working on bringing the right players in to help save their campaign from a relegation fate.

Eddie Howe on Newcastle’s transfer business:

"A lot of hard work has gone into planning for the January transfer window, which is clear in how quickly we have been able to complete this move."

Who do you think Newcastle should sign next? A striker, another defender, or a midfielder?