Tino's far too good to let go - at any price

BACK in August 2023, with Kieran Trippier in his pomp and Newcastle United's defence shaping up to be one of the meanest in the Premier League, the Magpies decided they wouldn't rest on their laurels.

- By ROSS GREGORY

Newcastle had qualified for the Champions League just months earlier. A stunning season under Eddie Howe had seen him propel a team from the brink of relegation when he was brought in, to the top tier of European football.

There were many catalysts to that transformation. Trippier was undoubtedly one - the first signing of the PIF ownership in January 2022, an England international willing to swap fighting for trophies in Spain and Europe with Atletico Madrid for fighting against relegation to the Championship with Newcastle.

It was an inspired piece of business by Amanda Staveley, Eddie Howe & co. For what now looks like a bargain £12m, the right back immediately raised standards both on the pitch and in the changing room, as well as showing Newcastle meant business. Before the month was out, he had been joined by Matt Targett, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes.

The rest is history. Newcastle comfortably beat the drop after a brilliant last few months to the season, and then kicked on in a manner no one saw coming, finishing the 2022/23 season in fourth spot, having reached the Carabao Cup final on the way.