According to a shocking report from The Sun, Real Madrid are plotting a stunning £50 million move for Kieran Trippier. The Tottenham Hotspur star has been identified as a top target for the European Champions following an impressive World Cup campaign.
The English international signed a long-term contract with Spurs last summer and the English giants are expected to resist offers for their prized defender. However, it is believed that Los Blancos are already planning a £50 million move for Trippier – which could make him the most expensive English player of all time.
The 27-year-old was a vital cog in Gareth Southgate’s England team that surprised everyone to reach the semi-finals of the recently concluded 2018 FIFA World Cup. He scored one goal and provided one assist as the Three Lions were given a hero’s welcome on their return to their homeland.
And despite a rather disappointing defeat to Croatia in the semis which was followed by an equally heart-breaking loss to Belgium in the third-place playoff match, Trippier was still included in FIFA’s official team of the tournament.
Since joining Spurs in the summer of 2015 for a fee of just £3.5 million, Trippier has had to spend a chunk of his career with the Lilywhites as an understudy to Kyle Walker. However, following his big-money move to Manchester City last summer, the 27-year-old was ingrained as the regular first team starter as he made 24 league appearances – most since arriving at North London.
He didn’t disappoint either, pulling out a host of top-notch performances that saw Tottenham finish third in the league – just four points behind second-placed Manchester United. His proficiency during set-pieces coupled with his tenacity in wider positions was utilized well by Mauricio Pochettino – something England coach Gareth Southgate must have observed very carefully last season.
That being said, Real Madrid’s interest in this highly talented right-back seems rather bizarre given the fact that they have already secured the services of Alvaro Odriozola earlier this summer. The 22-year-old Spaniard arrived at the Bernabeu with a great reputation and is ready to compete with Dani Carvajal for a place in the first-team next season.
Newly appointed head coach Julen Lopetegui also seems to have given his stamp of approval on the Odriozola signing, which was depicted in the exit of Achraf Hakimi. The Morocco international has joined Borussia Dortmund on a two-year loan deal.
Thus, it’s highly unlikely that the European champions will want to splash any further cash for a right-back this summer, considering the fact that they are yet to sign an adequate replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
