Kieran Trippier: Diego Simeone offers update amid Premier League links

The Atletico Madrid boss admits the English defender might leave the Rojiblancos as soon as this winter.

Kieran Trippier’s next destination remains one of the biggest question marks of the January transfer window. The Atletico Madrid defender was close to leaving the club in the summer but ended up staying at Wanda Metropolitano.

The suitors have returned for the versatile defender this winter, with a Premier League return being the most likely scenario. On Saturday, Atletico boss Diego Simeone spoke about the player’s situation in a press conference.

He said (via Mirror): “We have always had to live with these situations; important and very good players within the team who have possibilities of leaving.

“Then it will depend on what the footballer himself wants.

“Consequently, we will try to follow what is happening and look for solutions.

“He is an important player for our team and we coaches can’t do too much in terms of players’ decisions, we can only tell Trippier how important he is for the team.”

Reece James’s absence could prompt Chelsea to try to sign Kieran Trippier, who wants to return to the Premier League from Atlético Madrid and is being pursued by Newcastle.

– @JacobSteinberg pic.twitter.com/h90zcsUSnN
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) January 1, 2022

A Premier League bid

Atletico Madrid are trying to bounce back from their horrible run of form. Struggling with defensive problems, Simeone’s side will certainly prefer to keep Trippier. But, interest from the Premier League clubs can change the situation against them.

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have submitted a formal bid for the Atletico defender. The Magpies are reportedly keen to improve their fragile backline by adding Trippier to their ranks.

Newcastle are battling to avoid relegation as they sit 19th in Premier League with 11 points from 19 games. The Magpies manager have worked with Trippier before during his spell at Burnley.

Trippier joined Atletico from Tottenham in 2019 and established himself as one of the best La Liga defenders under Simeone. The English defender won the La Liga title as a key part of the Rojiblancos squad last season. However, his time in Spain may come to an end this January.