Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier this summer.
After signing Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and agreeing a deal in principle with Real Madrid for the transfer of Raphael Varane, the Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to reinforce the right-back position by bringing in Kieran Trippier, who has two years left on his contract at Atletico.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Manchester United remain active in their pursuit of the England international, despite Atletico Madrid refusing to let the player leave for anything less than his £34million release clause.
Kieran Trippier, 30, joined Atletico Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2019 and has gone on to make 53 league appearances so far. After playing a crucial role in winning the LaLiga title with Atletico Madrid last season, he was a part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad that reached the Euro 2020 final in July.
While the 30-year-old full-back returned to training with the LaLiga club after his post-Euro 2020 holiday, it is understood that he would welcome a move to Manchester United after two campaigns at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone rates Trippier highly and wants to keep hold of him due to limited alternative options currently at his disposal, with Sime Vrsaljko expected to exit the Spanish club and Santiago Arias recently returning from a long-term injury.
Kieran Trippier to Manchester United—Should the Red Devils go all out for the full-back?
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a reliable performer for Manchester United since joining from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019. He’s arguably the best 1v1 defender in the Premier League and while he’s improved on the attacking side of his game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, there still remains a lot to be desired from the 23-year-old.
For the Red Devils to realistically compete for the Premier League title next season, they need more output going forward from full-back positions. Kieran Trippier, in that regard, could be of great help for the Mancunian giants.
A right-back by trade, Kieran Trippier is equally comfortable playing as a left-back or in wing-back positions. The Bury-born defender is technically good on the ball and possesses the ability to deliver teasing crosses in the box for the forwards to score.
The Englishman was a crucial cog in Diego Simeone’s set-up at Atletico Madrid last season, demonstrating his versatility as a wing-back and attacking output by chipping in with six assists. He excelled again at the Euros, starting the final for England as a right wing-back and registering an assist for Luke Shaw’s goal.
Even at 30, Kieran Trippier is arguably playing the best football of his career and having previously proven himself at Tottenham, he should have no problems in adapting to the demands of Premier League football. He would undoubtedly strengthen United’s full-back options, whilst helping Wan-Bissaka develop his offensive side of the game.
All in all, the Reds must go all out for Trippier as he could turn out to be an asset in their title-challenging campaign this term.