Kieran Trippier is set to become the first Englishman to play for Atletico Madrid after flying to Spain to complete a £20m move from Tottenham.
Trippier was one of England’s heroes at the 2018 World Cup – including scoring a free-kick in the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Croatia – but had a tough time upon his return to England.
The 28-year-old out looked out of sorts for much of the season despite Spurs’ run to the Champions League final, admitting last month his performances have ‘not been good at all. I am the first one to say that’.
Atleti have offered him a fresh start in Spain, having undergone an extensive rebuilding job following the departures of Diego Godin, Rodri and Antoine Griezmann.
Told Kieran Trippier is travelling to Madrid with a view to completing his £20million move to Atletico. More to follow on @TeleFootball
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) July 16, 2019
They have already snapped up seven players – including the staggering €126m outlay on Portugal teenager Joao Felix – and are reportedly chasing Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez as well as Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso.
Juventus and Napoli had also registered their interest in Trippier, who has spent four seasons at Tottenham, but Diego Simeone’s side have stolen a march on their transfer rivals.
Sergie Aurier and Kyle Walker-Peters are Tottenham’s two other senior right-backs.