Newcastle set to announce former Premier League star as highest paid player in club history

Newcastle United are set to announce the signing of Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier in a deal that will see the Englishman become the highest paid player in the club’s history. 

The 31-year-old departed England in 2019 when he joined the La Liga side from Tottenham Hotspur, but AS are reporting that his return to the Premier League will be announced on Wednesday.

The England international has played 86 times for Atletico, and looked to wave goodbye to the club’s supporters during their 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on New Year’s Day.

The former Burnley man was pivotal to Diego Simeone’s side’s La Liga triumph last term, making 28 league appearances despite missing almost three months while serving a suspension for betting offences.

Trippier is set to become Howe’s first signing as manager of Newcastle United

Trippier will be a welcome addition to a Newcastle side who have struggled this season and are right in the midst of a relegation battle.

No club has conceded more than the 42 goals that Eddie Howe’s side have let in so far this term, and they currently sit two points adrift of safety although the two sides immediately above them both have games in hand on the Magpies.

The full-back played more than 100 times for Spurs during a four-year stay in North London, and has been capped 35 times for his country, with his only international goal coming in England’s 2018 World Cup semi final defeat to Croatia.

Newcastle will reportedly play close to £15 million for the 31-year-old, who was set to be out of contract in the summer of 2023.