There may well be an awful lot of change at Newcastle United this summer.
While Eddie Howe’s side could still end what has been a campaign with great moments strewn across it by qualifying for the Europa League, there is no doubting it has been arduous at times.
As such, a big rebuild has been tipped for Newcastle this summer, albeit FFP limitations may complicate such matters.
The club are believed to be looking to raise as much money as possible though player sales, although plan on keeping Alexander Isak.
Indeed, there’s even said to be a hope that Bruno Guimaraes stays despite a release clause.
Still, the story is very different when it comes to another key player.
Kieran Trippier, after all, was hailed as a “game-changer” by Alan Shearer for having a transformative impact on the club following his arrival from Atletico Madrid in January 2022.
This season, however, has been far more difficult. Though he’s enjoyed brilliant nights such as his performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the away leg in the Champions League, Trippier himself has admitted to falling below his standards at times.
Bayern Munich were keen on a move in January and although Newcastle blocked that, Craig Hope has now provided an update.
Kieran Trippier is now facing a really uncertain future at Newcastle
Speaking on a video posted on YouTube, Hope said: “Kieran Trippier, I would rate that as 50/50 right now.
“There was the offer from Bayern Munich in January. I think the hierarchy would certainly want him to stay beyond this summer. But Kieran has come to a point where he’s 34 later this year, he’s got the Euros – I just think it would make a little bit of sense for him personally, career wise, to have this one last big move.
“Maybe to Saudi Arabia, maybe abroad, I don’t know.”
Kieran Trippier will leave as a modern-day Newcastle legend
Should Trippier go, he would leave as a modern-day Newcastle legend.
It was his signing that truly kick-started the PIF era, taking the team to new levels. He brought so much experience and leadership to the ranks that the reported £12m it took to sign him seems a real bargain.
At 33, the club aren’t going to be given many more chances to sell up, so allowing him to go after recent struggles does make financial sense.
Still, what Trippier should be remembered for is the impact he had upon his arrival.
Without him, who knows where this team would be?