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ATLÉTICO MADRID

Atlético don't want to lose Trippier - in spite of his desire to leave

The right-back is not for sale and will only leave if he hands in a transfer request and Atleti receive a suitable offer. He's been linked to Manchester United.

Kieran Trippier celebra el título de Liga del Atlético.
NurPhoto via Getty Images

Atlético are clear that the priority this summer is to maintain the backbone of the side which lifted LaLiga last season. Few members of Simeone's squad will leave and those that do will be replaced, but the plan is to keep the squad more or less intact.

Trippier linked to United

Brazilian forward Marcos Paulo is one of the new arrivals - he will occupy the space left by Vitolo who will spend the new season on loan at Getafe; something similar could happen with De Paul and Saúl if the latter ends up leaving. But in England, various outlets are reporting that Kieran Trippier is set to return to the Premier League to join Manchester United. Simeone's first-choice right-back could return home to England after just two years in the Spanish capital. Trippier played a fundamental part in Atleti's league title success and the club doesn't want to lose him. As far as Atleti and El Cholo are concerned, the English full-back is not for sale and the only way that they would allow him to leave would be if he put in a transfer request and if they receive a decent offer.

The UK press report that Trippier is already house hunting in Manchester and is keen to be reunited with his family after two great seasons at Atleti. It has also been claimed that United have made an initial offer of 20 million pounds (23.5 million euros). Trippier established himself as a key piece in Atlético's attack due to his connection with Marcos Llorente. The 10-match ban which FIFA imposed on the defender was a massive blow for the Rojiblancos. Defensively, he has come on leaps and bounds under Simeone. From this summer, he will occupy the position of a non-EU player in LaLiga, unless the competition agrees to extend the agreement which allowed British nationals who have a work contract prior to Brexit to continue working in the Union as before.

Kieran Trippier in action against Italy during the Euro 2020 final
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Kieran Trippier in action against Italy during the Euro 2020 finalFACUNDO ARRIZABALAGAAFP

If Trippier leaves

The club will try to convince Trippier to stay. If they are unable to do so, Atlético will have Vrsaljko and Arias to compete for the right-back position, although there are doubts about the Croatian's consistency. Simeone may be forced to drop Llorente back into the role but more likely is that the club would sign someone else. Nélson Semedo and Di Lorenzo are two of the names that have been mentioned as possible replacements. For now, Trippier is enjoyed a well deserved holiday after reaching the Euro 2020 final with England.