Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has admitted that he came very close to joining Liverpool in 2015.
Rewind seven years and the England right-back had just been relegated with Burnley. But after proving himself a handy player, he was in-demand amongst Premier League clubs.
And speaking to the Under The Cosh podcast, Trippier admitted that Liverpool were one of the clubs vying for him.
“I think it was after the season we got promoted. Obviously, Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool – before they got Clyne as well. It was me or him who was going to go to Liverpool,” the England man shared.
Spurs arguably got the better end of that particular deal. Signed for less than £4m, Trippier went on to make 114 appearances for the club. When he eventually left for Atletico Madrid in 2019, he did so for at least £20m.
Liverpool not regretting Trippier miss
Although Liverpool missed out on Trippier, they won’t be kicking themselves too hard about it.
That’s because, with the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, they’ve got one of the best in the business in his position. Something that Trippier himself openly admits.
In fact, had they signed the 32-year-old over Clyne, perhaps Trent would have never got his chance.
The Scouser is so good that he probably would have been promoted to the first team eventually. But he initially did so only after Clyne was injured.
Top young talents miss out on regular football all the time. Had Trippier been around and been fit, maybe Liverpool wouldn’t have got a good enough look at Alexander-Arnold.
As both players join up with the England World Cup squad this week, Trippier could be in-line to start ahead of the Liverpool man.
With Reece James out of the squad and Kyle Walker nursing an injury, the two are Gareth Southgate’s right-back options.
Trent is surely the better player but doubts still linger over his defensive capabilities. Trippier meanwhile has been part of the Premier League’s best defence this season since his £12m move to Newcastle. Decisions, decisions for the England boss.
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