Newcastle United were one of the busiest clubs in the January transfer window thanks to their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, spending more money than any other Premier League team as they’re now one of the richest sides in Europe.
The Magpies strengthened key areas to boost their hopes of survival, bringing in left-back Matt Targett from Aston Villa, centre-back Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion, defensive-midfielder Bruno Guimares from Olympique Lyonnais and striker Chris Wood from Burnley. Paul Merson believes Kieran Trippier being signed from Atletico Madrid was the best piece of business, however.
In quotes relayed by Caught Offside, he said: “Trippier was a good signing. Out of all the signings, he was the one. It’s safe, he will run through a brick wall, and he has got a great free-kick and he puts the ball on a sixpence. For me, he ticks all the boxes. Fair play to him.”
The 31-year-old joined on a two-and-a-half-year deal for £12m on January 7 and has gone on to make five appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals. Trippier has enjoyed a bright start to life at Newcastle but recently broke a bone in his foot against Villa that will keep him out of action for some time.
Eddie Howe has Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo who can come in for Trippier, but the pair were deemed surplus to requirements prior to Trippier’s arrival, so they don’t have the manager’s faith.
In other news, Paddy Kenny says Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn give Eddie Howe ‘bigger boost’
