Kieran Trippier’s fairytale time of things at Newcastle United appears to be coming to an unceremonious end.
Trippier will be leaving Newcastle United at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, with his place in the club’s history books guaranteed.
Indeed, Trippier is one of Newcastle’s greatest-ever players and it was his arrival in January 2022 that kicked the whole PIF project off on Tyneside.
Still, the defender has recently been overlooked by Eddie Howe and the Newcastle United manager’s post-match comments do not suggest he’ll be rushed back into the team anytime soon.
Howe focusing on Newcastle future that Trippier does not form part of
Howe opted to deploy Lewis Hall at right-back instead of using Trippier in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
That was even despite injuries to Tino Livramento, Lewis Miley and Emil Krafth – all of whom are capable of playing at right-back.
Still, Hall was used out of position all while Trippier sat on the bench until the 95th minute.
When asked about the decision not to play Trippier, Howe said that he’s simply looking ahead to next season, when the defender will no longer be here.
“I think Lewis is an outstanding technical player, so playing off a different side, I don’t think it’s hugely difficult for him,” he said.
“Obviously, Kieran’s future has been revealed, so I’m focusing on the players that I know are going to be here next year.”
It threatens to be a relatively understated exit for a player who has given the club so much over the years.
Where Kieran Trippier could go next when he leaves Newcastle United
According to BBC Sport, the 35-year-old is keeping an open mind when it comes to his next move.
The prospect of leaving English football altogether is not to be ruled out at this stage, although it’s by no means a guarantee.
Trippier has previously been linked with moves to France, Saudi Arabia and Germany, and does have previous experience of playing abroad following his stint at Atletico Madrid.
The defender will undoubtedly leave as a club legend but it does feel as if things are petering out, which not many onlookers would have predicted.