Newcastle United’s recent transfer dealings have garnered attention, particularly concerning Kieran Trippier’s potential move to Bayern Munich in January. Trippier, the right-back for Newcastle United, disclosed his astonishment when approached by Bayern Munich during the winter transfer window.
Despite a bid of £12.8 million from Bayern Munich for Trippier being rebuffed by Newcastle, the Bundesliga champions formally withdrew their interest in the player as Trippier opted to remain with Newcastle. Having joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid for £12 million in January 2022, Trippier has since made 88 appearances for the club, predominantly serving as captain. Although Trippier’s contract is set to expire next summer, Newcastle was resolute in retaining the player during the January transfer window.
Reflecting on the transfer speculation, Trippier remarked, “Not really [difficult]. It was actually crazy, to be honest, because I was in New York and I was woken up at 5 a.m. their time saying, ‘Bayern Munich want to sign you,’ so I was like, ‘This is a bit random.’ I never thought at 33 years old that Bayern Munich would want to sign me, so it was more of a shock to me than anybody. Then I just got on the phone to the manager straight away and, to be honest, the manager knows the commitment I’ve got for the club. I never once tried to force a move out of the club. I’m here now and the owners know the commitment I have shown to the club.”
The allure of joining one of the world’s most illustrious clubs might have been appealing to Trippier, especially considering two of his former Tottenham Hotspur teammates, Harry Kane and Eric Dier, currently play for Bayern Munich. When queried about conversations with Kane regarding the prospective move, Trippier clarified, “I speak to Harry all the time. Harry was texting me, of course, but it just wasn’t the right thing for me. But I take it as a compliment that a club like Bayern Munich wanted to sign me. [Kane] wasn’t pushing, he was just texting ‘Is it true?,’ just little things like that, really, just telling me it’s warmer than Newcastle and having a bit of banter! But no, Harry’s a professional, he wouldn’t try and tap me up, as we say. There was nothing to say, really.”
Trippier’s decision to depart from Atletico Madrid and return to England with Newcastle in 2022 was heavily influenced by his family and young children, a factor that resurfaced following Bayern’s approach. Nonetheless, Trippier believes that other players in his position might have seized the opportunity.
“Of course [it’s flattering],” Trippier remarked. “As I said, I’m 33 years old, I never thought that someone like Bayern would come in for me at the age that I’m at, so I take it as a compliment. A massive club – I think plenty of other players would have jumped at the chance to go to Bayern, and that’s fact. But I’ve been loyal to the club and my family is important – traveling three different countries in three years, it’s not really ideal, is it?”
Currently sidelined due to injury, Trippier will miss Newcastle’s upcoming matches against Chelsea and Manchester City. Although he will not be included in the forthcoming England squad, he aims to recuperate in time for the fixture against West Ham United at St James’ Park on March 30 (12:30 p.m. kick-off).