Kieran Trippier joked ‘you never know’ about Jan Oblak possibly joining Newcastle United after praising his qualities, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The Newcastle defender claimed that the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper is an ‘unbelievable’ player and he is ‘surprised’ no-one in the Premier League has tried to sign him.
For a good number of years, Oblak has been one of the top keepers in world football and he played a big part in Diego Simeone’s side winning La Liga last season.
Well, given the big pockets Newcastle have now, then they are hoping to lure players of Oblak’s ilk to their club in the summer, that’s the statements they are trying to put out there.
Trippier was asked about Oblak’s qualities and how he can’t believe that he hasn’t been snapped up by someone in England’s top-flight.
“For me, he is definitely up there, especially from my time at Atletico Madrid,” said Trippier. “The number of points he saved us and his shot-stopping is probably the best in the world, for sure.
On no one else signing Oblak: “I am really surprised. He is one of the best keepers in the world. I think he would be unbelievable in the Premier League. Obviously, who could he go to, that’s the question?
“I have had conversations with him about the Premier League. He has always asked me questions. Of course, I would love to see him in the Premier League.”
Trippier is then asked: “Are you Newcastle’s new La Liga scout now?”
Trippier responded: “You never know, you never know what could happen.”
The goalkeeping department is something Newcastle will have to look at if they survive because, just like their defence, it has been error-prone for a number of seasons.
In truth, given the financial muscle the Magpies have, they will probably move on more than half of their squad in the summer.
It’s going to be some rebuilding job for Eddie Howe and the limelight will firmly be on the St James’ Park club.
The supporters will be upbeat that they can lure some big names to the north east, especially if they can land a player of Trippier’s ilk midway through a relegation scrap
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