Ross Wilson set for Newcastle dilemma as Champions League club eye Kieran Trippier

Over the next 18-24 months, we’re likely going to see a dramatic number of our elder statesmen either retire, depart or be phased out of Eddie Howe's starting 11.

The likes of Dan Burn, Nick Pope and Jacob Murphy are all north of 30-years-old, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see each of them gradually moved out from the starting XI to make way for fresh faces and new signings.

However, squad depth demands still remain, and we’re still in a rather precarious financial situation where trying to find new players who offer what our current players can will cost us an absurd amount.

Such is the case for Kieran Trippier, as the defender faces an uncertain future on Tyneside based on his contract situation and ongoing interest from abroad...

Trippier still a wanted man

According to The Chronicle, French giants Monaco and a number of unnamed Saudi Pro League sides remain interested in signing Kieran Trippier.

The report states that Eddie Howe is keen to keep the veteran defender on Tyneside, leaving new sporting director Ross Wilson with a big decision to make; consider a January sale, allow him to leave next summer or negotiate a new one-year deal.

With Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento ready to seize for the starting full-back positions for years to come, the 35-year-old’s time as a starter purely depends on the fitness of Livramento.

Trippier’s current deal expires at the end of June next year. And at a reported £120,000 per week, he’s been amongst our highest earners since arriving from Atletico Madrid back in 2021.

That’s a figure that would seem like small change to both Monaco, who have the likes of Paul Pogba on their books, and those within the Saudi Pro League.

Monaco had previously courted Trippier last summer, where he also popped up on the Saudi Pro League radar, but the former England international opted to remain in the North East for this current season.

Big calls to make for Howe and Wilson on Trippier

Considering his age and wages, one option for the club is to cash in over the January transfer window whilst he’s still under contract and able to bring in a fee.

We’ve been in a similar situation for the last two years: in 2024, the prospect of selling Trippier to Bayern Munich reportedly fell through, though he struggled to regain form and fitness for the rest of that campaign. In 2025, Trippier was again retained, but this time proved pivotal to both our Carabao Cup win and eventual Champions League qualification.

Sporting director Ross Wilson is expected to oversee the matter, but Howe would no doubt want to keep one of his most-trusted players and one of the many vice-captains at the club.

The gaffer’s made it abundantly clear in the past just how much he values the first player to show faith in the Newcastle project, previously saying “Kieran is a very, very experienced player and very important for us.”

Acknowledging that the decision on Trippier’s future lies less within his remit however, Howe has commented “His contract length is something that an incoming sporting director will be on top of.”