Kieran Trippier became Newcastle United’s first signing under their new owners and new manager, Eddie Howe.
The right-back joined the Tyneside club from Atlético Madrid in the first week of the winter market and went on to score two goals in his first four matches. His first goal came in his side’s 3-1 win over Everton, while the second was the winner against Aston Villa.
Trippier was vital for Diego Simeone and therefore, Atlético were initially reluctant to let him leave midway through the season. The England international insisted on a return to his country and that saw the La Liga winners let him join the Magpies in January.
Los Rojiblancos signed Daniel Wass as the former Burnley man’s replacement and the Dane suffered an injury in his debut match for Atlético.
Spanish newspaper AS interviewed Stefan Savić ahead of his side’s Champions League clash against Manchester United.
When quizzed if Trippier’s departure has ‘affected’ the club, he said: “It’s changed us, that’s for sure. We didn’t expect him to leave, but that opportunity arose and we have to accept it.
“We have brought Wass, who was unlucky enough to get injured in the first game, and we have [Šime] Vrsaljko, who is important to us, he is physically well and can help us a lot.
“We also have [Marcos] Llorente, who can cover that position and with the return of Wass we will be well covered on the side.”
