The last couple of days have seen a significant shift in the priority target for Bayern Munich for the right-back position. After failing to find a breakthrough in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Nordi Mukiele, Bayern have turned their attention to Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier.
According to Sky Sports in the UK and The Guardian, Bayern have seen an approach rejected by Newcastle United for Trippier. The Premier League club may eventually agree to part ways with Trippier since they need to sell first before strengthening the squad to adhere to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Sky Sports in Germany and The Guardian also report that Bayern have already agreed personal terms with Trippier. Several other English media outlets have also confirmed that Trippier is open to joining the Bavarian club before the end of the winter transfer window.
It remains to be seen what kind of formula Bayern eventually agrees with Newcastle United to sign Trippier. The English club is likely to push for a permanent transfer if they decide to part ways with the 33-year-old defender since it will help them to get funds for strengthening the midfield.
🚨 Excl. News #Trippier: Verbal agreement between FC Bayern & Trippier has been reached now!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 20, 2024
➡️ The 33 y/o keen to join Bayern immediately ✔️
Bayern and Newcastle in contact. Chr. Freund still prefers a loan deal with Mukiele, but he’s preparing for the possibility that the… pic.twitter.com/a10x1hYXHZ
Bayern have been looking to sign a right-back in the winter window since they were short in this position after the departures of Josip Stanisic and Benjamin Pavard in the summer. Noussair Mazraoui and Konrad Laimer have been deployed in the right-back position during the first half of the season. The former is currently with the Moroccan squad for the AFCON, which leaves Tuchel with Laimer as the only option in the right-back position.
Trippier has been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League since joining Newcastle United from Atletico Madrid in 2022. The England international is a tenacious defender who can also adequately contribute in the final third with accurate crosses and key passes. Trippier is also good at taking set pieces.
Along with his quality on the pitch, Trippier is also known for being a leader in the dressing room. He has been one of the key men behind Newcastle United’s resurgence under Eddie Howe in the last two years. The English defender will be a quality addition to Bayern’s squad.
Trippier’s age is the only downside of this transfer. He will not be a long-term signing for Bayern. It will be intriguing to see the length of the contract Trippier will sign if a move materialises in the next few days. Things could move quickly over the weekend as Bayern are eager to add a right-back to the squad sooner rather than later.