Kieran Trippier will leave Newcastle United when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The right-back signed for Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January 2022, becoming the first recruitment under the club’s Saudi-led takeover. When he arrived the team were in the relegation zone, and Trippier has been a key figure in Newcastle’s turnaround under manager Eddie Howe.
The former England international played a significant role as Newcastle ended a seven-decade wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the EFL Cup last season, and helped the club qualify for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025.
In a joint statement the 35-year-old said he will depart the club where he has “felt most at home” and described the decision as emotional. “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,” he added. He paid tribute to his team-mates and said winning the trophy with them was “the best of my career.”
Trippier also thanked Howe, who trusted him to join Newcastle after their earlier work together at Burnley. Howe, who made Trippier his first signing at the club, praised the defender’s contribution and professionalism.
“Kieran has been magnificent for us on and off the pitch,” Howe said. “From the moment he walked through the door, he has helped to drive standards that have changed the club’s trajectory. His performances on the pitch have been to the highest level. Building strong partnerships with the players around him. His outstanding technical ability helped elevate the team and his strong crossing ability helped create many goals and chances for his team-mates. His leadership skills have been invaluable. In difficult moments his experience has proved calming and his drive and will to win has inspired the players to keep pushing forward.”
Trippier’s £12m move may not have been the most expensive in Newcastle’s history, but few signings have had such an impact. When he arrived the club had won just once that season, sat 19th in the table, and suffered an FA Cup shock defeat to Cambridge United on his debut. His belief and presence helped attract other signings, including captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Trippier said his aim on joining Newcastle was to help take the club “to where they need to be.” Although this campaign has been challenging domestically, he has largely achieved that goal. His departure marks the end of one era and the beginning of another as Newcastle look to lower the squad’s average age.
Supporters are expected to give Trippier a warm farewell when he departs, and many will remember him as one of the club’s best-ever right-backs.