Newcastle United has turned down an enhanced offer from Bayern Munich for English defender Kieran Trippier, according to sources. Last week, Newcastle rejected an initial offer, estimated to be around €8 million ($8.7 million), and Bayern Munich responded with an improved bid on Tuesday.
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Newcastle’s Dilemma: Trippier’s Potential Departure and Joelinton’s Injury Pose Challenges for Eddie Howe
Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe although wouldn’t want to lose his 33 Year Old Defender, who’s one of the key reasons why the club qualified in the Champions League for the first time last season in 20 Years.
Newcastle signed Trippier in January 2022 and was named as the Club’s Player of The Year after the end of his first full season at the club in 2022-23.
If Bayern Munich were to sign Tripper he would become the 3rd former player from Spurs signed by the Bundesliga Giants in the last 5 months after Harry Kane in August 2023 and Eric Dier on January 2024.
Newcastle announced on Tuesday that midfielder Joelington has undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained during the FA Cup third-round win at Sunderland earlier this month. He is expected to be sidelined until May.
The Brazil international picked up the injury earlier this month during Newcastle’s FA Cup third-round win at Sunderland.
Trippier’s Salary Disparities and Team Dynamics at Newcastle and Bayern
While a salary gap itself might not directly cause dressing room rifts, it can contribute to tensions and affect team dynamics. In the case of Trippier at Newcastle, being the inaugural signing of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) era with a significant £12 million move from Atletico Madrid could potentially create disparities in earnings within the squad.
Trippier, although not considered a permanent solution to Bayern’s right-back issues, is highly valued for his professionalism and leadership qualities. In situations where players perceive a substantial difference in salaries, it may lead to discontent among teammates, especially if they feel their contributions are undervalued.
The absence of Noussair Mazraoui due to injury and AFCON commitments has created a void in Bayern’s right-back position, with midfielder Konrad Laimer often stepping in. Trippier, since his arrival from Atletico, has been instrumental for Newcastle, playing a pivotal role with three goals and 18 assists in 81 appearances. While his performance on the field is crucial, the off-field dynamics, including salary considerations, can impact team harmony.
Bayern Munich Shifts Focus Away from Kieran Trippier Amidst Transfer Complications
Earlier reports suggested that Bayern Munich was considering a January transfer window move for 33-year-old English defender Kieran Trippier. Thomas Tuchel’s team is actively seeking a new right-back this month, with Trippier among several players under consideration for the position.
Nordi Mukiele, previously with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and currently at Paris Saint-Germain, is also on Bayern’s shortlist. However, negotiations have proven challenging. Bayern aimed for a loan deal with a permanent option for the 26-year-old Mukiele, while Paris Saint-Germain prefers a direct transfer to reinvest the funds.
In light of the complications, Bayern has now shifted its focus to Trippier, who has 18 months left on his contract with Newcastle. Despite Newcastle’s firm stance that Trippier won’t be sold this month, and their determination to retain striker Callum Wilson, Bayern has communicated that they are no longer pursuing a deal for Trippier.