News emerged on Thursday that Newcastle United full-back Kieran Tripper is a transfer target for West Ham United.
It was suggested that the Hammers had made an official enquiry for the 33-year-old Newcastle man, with Julen Lopetegui apparently of the mindset that he would suit his system perfectly.
West Ham have been relentless in the transfer window this summer.
Lopetegui, working closely alongside Tim Steidten, has brought in seven fantastic new signings already this summer.
Jean-Clair Todibo is the latest new arrival at the London Stadium, although we’re still awaiting for the official confirmation of the deal.
The last week or so really has been ‘pinch yourself’ stuff for the Hammers fans.
However, one more addition that’s urgently needed is a new right-back, with a big upgrade required on Vladimir Coufal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is clearly Lopetegui’s prime target, and it has been suggested that the 26-year-old is in advanced talks with West Ham.
That said, Trippier is still in the Spaniard’s crosshairs as well. So it will be interesting to see which right-back we end up with.
Kieran Tripper to West Ham update
A new twist has emerged on West Ham’s apparent pursuit of the former Tottenham and Atletico Madrid man.
Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the Hammers potentially signing Trippier this summer, in his Daily Briefing column on Friday.
The high profile football journalist suggested that West Ham will only sign the 33-year-old if we are unable to get a deal for Wan-Bissaka over the line.
Phew…
The Manchester United defender is a far better player than the Newcastle man as far as I’m concerned and crucially, he’s seven years younger and possesses explosive pace – something that Trippier doesn’t have in his locker.
I’d much prefer us to move for a younger full-back with big potential.
Our left and right-back options – Emerson Palmieri and Vladimir Coufal – are already on the wrong side of 30 as it is.
Don’t get me wrong, Trippier is proven at the very highest level. He’s won a La Liga title with Atletico Madrid and reached the Champions League final during his Tottenham days.
And it has to be said that the Newcastle man has been very good indeed since moving to St James’ Park from Atleti in January 2022.
He’ll be 34 in September though, and his decline will not be too far away, certainly from a physical perspective.
In addition to that, he has a less than impressive injury record, and he missed 12 games for the Toon last season.
If it’s a straight choice between Kieran Trippier and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, I’d take the latter all day long at West Ham.
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