Kieran Trippier has fuelled Newcastle United exit talk after meeting with a head of scouting at one of Saudi Arabia’s Pro League clubs.
The 33-year-old has been granted extra time off after being part of the England squad that lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain just three weeks ago.
Trippier has been linked with a move to the Middle East having entered the final year of his contract. The right-back was spotted checking into a flight to Dubai at Newcastle Airport on Thursday afternoon, sparking rumours of a possible exit.
That was quickly played down with Trippier understood to be heading to the destination for a holiday. Following Saturday’s 2-0 win at Hull City, head coach Eddie Howe confirmed Trippier and Three Lions teammate Anthony Gordon wouldn’t be linking up with the squad for next week’s tour of Tokyo due to being rested.
However, Trippier himself has caused a frenzy on social media. Uploading to Instagram on Saturday night, the Bury-born player posed for a photo with Al-Ettifaq head of scouting Tom Spring at the Nobu Atlantis restaurant with the caption “good meeting”.
Spring has been at Al-Ettifaq with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard since January having previously worked at AFC Bournemouth for six years as first-team recruitment and analyst scout when Howe was there.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has cast doubt over Trippier joining Gerrard’s side. He posted on X: “Nothing in rumours of Kieran Trippier joining Stephen Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq. Not a player on their radar or within their budget.”
The Magpies rejected two advances from Bayern Munich in January with Trippier reaffirming his commitment to Newcastle in the month after. Since then howeber, links to Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged. Trippier turns 34 in September and as it stands, is unlikely to be handed a new contract.
The visiting side very good in the opening 45 minutes, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy scoring, with other chances created as well.
After the break the match predictably drifted as both sides made numerous changes and the Newcastle United eleven that finished the game was pretty much a reserve/under 21 side.
Only Dan Burn and Emil Krafth played the full match.
Eddie Howe reflecting on Hull 0 Newcastle 2:
“I thought that the first half especially we played very well, then the second half was difficult to judge. It was very, very bitty with all the changes.
“The front three for us all looked good.
“Alex (Isak), Harvey (Barnes) and Jacob (Murphy) all looked good. There were good moments from them.
“The second goal was really good.
“Nick’s save at a time when it’s one nil and the game’s in the balance… that’s what he’s done for us since he’s been here.
“He’s been a giant in goal for us and it was a magnificent save.
“I think that it was a good game.
“A tough game for us.
“I think Hull are slightly ahead of us physically.
“A very different team tactically to most you see, a lot of interesting things from them.
“It took us probably 10 minutes to get to grips with it.
“The attitude of the group was very good.
“Pre-season is always difficult.
“Players don’t want to get injured but they [at the same time] want to impress.
“I thought that the attitude was there, the collective mindset to defend, then some quality on the ball as well.
“First and foremost, the attitude was excellent.
“I think that if you have a group that give you everything, hopefully you can have a great season.
