From FA Cup Heartbreak to Newcastle Legend
Following the acquisition of Saudi investment in 2021, their first signing was Kieran Trippier for £25 million. His first appearance came on 8th January 2022 in an FA Cup 3rd round fixture at home to League Two Cambridge United.
Despite being the richest club in the world, Cambridge United pulled off an upset and sent Trippier out of the FA Cup on his return to English football.
However, the poor debut didn't deter the future captain to have success in the North East. After a 4th place finish in 2022/23 season, Newcastle booked their ticket in the Champions League for the 4th time in their 140 year history. A tough group stage saw Newcastle out in the group stage after a 4-1 home win against PSG.
After a break from Champions League football they returned in 25/26. After getting 14 points from 8 league phase games, Newcastle took on Qarabag in the round of 32 in which they dispatched the Azerbaijani side 9-3 on aggregate.
Up next were Barcelona, who after drawing at St James Park battered Newcastle and ripped Trippier to shreds in a 7-2 thumping at Camp Nou.
Throughout Trippier's four and a half years at Newcastle he has played a staggering 160 games, captained the side on the World's stage and broke a 56 year wait for a major trophy in 2024/25. A great servant for the club who put his all into every minute he wore the famous black and white stripes.
"I’ve had four and a half wonderful years here, I’ve won a cup here, we stayed up in the first season and then got to the Champions League twice.
"I’ve achieved more than I ever thought I would do at the football club. And I know I’ll always be a Newcastle fan. I’ll always watch the games and keep in contact with the lads. I’ll come back at any opportunity I get – I’ve got a lot of friends here in the squad and away from football too.
"I’ll always follow Newcastle, I’ll always want the club to finish as high as possible, and I want them to be playing in Europe and on the biggest stages," said the departing right back in a personalised message to Newcastle fans.
What's next for Kieran Trippier?
Trippier is expected to complete his medical for Wolves in the coming weeks as he drops down to the Championship for the first time since 2014 while under Dyce at Burnley.
The last time the English international was in the Championship he was promoted as runners up despite losing less games then champions Leicester.
With Wolves manager Rob Edwards committing to 'wanting a team that the fans can get behind' the signing of an experienced veteran who gives his all is fantastic for all parties.
Trippier has always played for the fans throughout his career and now with the sole aim to go straight back to the Premier League this is a great step for Trippier to add a promotion to his resume and Wolves to go back to where they want to be.
