A market opportunity has opened up for Everton after Newcastle announced that Kieran Trippier will be leaving at the end of the season.
Everton have admired Trippier for many years, showing interest in the England international under Roberto Martinez and again when Sean Dyche was at the helm.
With the 35-year-old now an option for David Moyes on a free transfer this summer, some Everton fans may not be aware that he actually spoke about rejecting the Toffees for Tottenham back in 2015.
Would this be a good signing on a one-year deal? 🤔
Kieran Trippier question.
Kieran Trippier rejected Everton for Spurs
Speaking to the Under The Cosh podcast back in November 2022, the right-back admitted Everton tried to sign him from Burnley in the summer of 2015.
Trippier – who is close to Jordan Pickford – said: “I think it was the season after we (Burnley) got promoted, there were a few clubs interested.
“Tottenham obviously, Everton and Liverpool before they got Nathaniel Clyne as well, it was either me or him who was going to go to Liverpool. I only had a year left on my contract and (Sean) Dyche wanted me to sign a new deal with a release clause, and I thought it made sense to play 38 games in the Premier League before getting that move.”
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It turned out to be a decent move for Trippier, who started the 2019 UEFA Champions League final with Tottenham and became a key player for England during his time in north London – not to mention the fact he would have needed to compete against Seamus Coleman had he opted for a move to Everton in 2015.
However, with the question of retirement now surrounding Coleman and doubts over Nathan Patterson, a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium makes a lot of sense for the Newcastle No.2 this summer.
The Friedkin Group may presumably have to make Trippier one of the highest earners at Everton for a deal to happen, however, given the fact he earns £120,000-a-week at Newcastle, and free agents typically receive a larger salary when joining a new club due to the absence of a transfer fee.
There are some real leaders proving themselves in this Everton side! 💪
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton celebrates as Thierno Barry of Everton scores a goal vs Newcastle. James Garner of Everton plays during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton. Jordan Pickford of Everton celebrates their side's first goal vs Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto/Michael Driver/MI News/James Gill – Danehouse.
However, if it allows Everton to put the hunt for a new long-term right-back on ice for another 12 months in order to focus on other areas with the money saved, it is a deal worth doing.
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