Newcastle United need to become better sellers to enhance their PSR position, but there are some players who are simply untouchable.
Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali fall into that category, while Newcastle United should not be thinking about letting Anthony Gordon or Bruno Guimaraes leave either.
While Joe Willock could leave Newcastle and Sean Longstaff is expected to depart, the future of Kieran Trippier is far less clear.
The 34-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract. It has been reported that AC Milan are interested in Trippier, with the club prepared to listen to offers because of the right-back’s contract situation.
Kieran Trippier sits on the pitch after Newcastle United's Premier League loss against Everton.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Newcastle United must not sell Kieran Trippier
With regards to PSR, Newcastle should move Trippier on this summer rather than let him go for free in 2026.
However, Trippier’s importance at St James’ Park should take precedence over the PSR position. It will be impossible to replace his experience, while Newcastle are going to have to keep relying on the veteran defender as they prepare to return to Europe.
Trippier wanted to play more last season, and he should get his wish for the 2025/26 campaign. Being back in the Champions League means a bigger load to share with Tino Livramento, who is Eddie Howe’s first-choice right-back when everyone is fit.
But Trippier has proven in 2025 that he is still vitally important. The £12million man’s performance in the Carabao Cup final summed that up, as his experience and game-management helped Newcastle secure their biggest victory in the modern era.
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While moving him on makes business sense, it would be a huge mistake to sell Trippier this summer.
Newcastle United already have Kieran Trippier’s replacement
If Newcastle were to move Trippier on, they would need to replace him. That would not be cheap, at a time when the Magpies are aiming to stretch their summer transfer budget as far as possible.
Fortunately for Eddie Howe, he already has Trippier’s replacement on the books. In Leo Shahar, the Magpies have a player who is destined to become a Premier League star in the future.
Newcastle have high hopes for Shahar, who was on the bench during the 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford in April.
The 18-year-old is not ready to replace Trippier yet, but he is on the right path. If Newcastle were to sign an immediate replacement for Trippier, they would merely get in the way of Shahar’s progression.
That is another reason why Newcastle have to keep Trippier for another 12 months. Come the summer of 2026, Newcastle should be in a better position to let the former England international go.