Trippier set for Atlético Madrid move

Atlético Madrid are continuing their assault on the transfer market, with Kieran Trippier the latest name linked with the club.

Reporting from England suggests Trippier’s move to the Spanish is very close to completion. The Telegraph report he is in Madrid to have a medical.

After Juanfran’s contract expired, Diego Simeone had no choice but to look for younger cover at right-back, with Santiago Arias the only current right-sided full-back in the squad. Reports suggested Atlético were interested in Nélson Semedo, but Barcelona were unwilling to consider the Portuguese defender’s departure as part of the Antoine Griezmann deal.

Héctor Bellerín was another player Atlético are said to have asked about, but they have turned their attention to Trippier, who has also interested Juventus and Napoli recently. The right-back is set cost Atlético a fee in the region of €22 million.

If Trippier does complete his move, he would become the first English player to pull on the rojiblanco jersey. He would be the first person from the United Kingdom or Ireland for that matter too as he looks to win back a place in Gareth Southgate’s national team.

Trippier started his career at Manchester City before he moved to Burnley and then Tottenham Hotspur for €5 million in summer 2015. His contract expires in 2022 and Spurs would be making quite the profit on the 28-year-old.

Atlético want to make one more signing in defense, and the club continues to negotiate with Espanyol for their 23-year-old defender Mario Hermoso. Juanfran, Diego Godín and Lucas Hernández have all left this summer, and Filipe Luís is expected to join them.