Eddie Howe is confident Kieran Trippier will remain at Newcastle in this transfer window but admits Joelinton may move on in the summer.
Trippier has been the subject of two bids from Bayern Munich, both of which were rejected by Newcastle, with the German champions now expected to look elsewhere.
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England international Trippier was rumoured to be keen on quitting St James’ Park for Bavaria but Howe is adamant the right-back is fully focused on the Magpies.
He said: “A few things to say on Kieran’s situation. We hope he will stay and we’re very confident he will be part of our long-term future.
“I have to make it clear he has never asked to leave or even questioned his future here. We’ve had conversations in the last week and it’s always been about Newcastle.
“His commitment to Newcastle shouldn’t be questioned.
“I don’t think it has been a difficult week [for Trippier]. It’s a huge compliment that a club like Bayern are interested.
“I want to keep our best players, I want to keep every player in our squad that is very thin on the ground now.
“His situation [with Bayern] is finished as far as everyone is concerned.
“I’ve been in football long enough to never say never because I don’t want to look stupid but Kieran is fully committed.”
The situation is different with midfielder Joelinton who is out of contract at the end of next season with talks over a renewal stalling.
Eddie Howe on Joelinton:
“It is a massive blow for us – he brings a different dynamic to our midfield. He will be a big miss, but we are going to have to do without.” pic.twitter.com/NAfLQlii8e
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 26, 2024
The Brazil international is out until May after undergoing thigh surgery and Howe admits Newcastle may have to cash in this summer rather than lose him on a free 12 months later.
“It’s a possibility [he could leave] but I hope that’s not the case. I want him to stay,” said Howe.
“Before a player signs a contract he has to be happy with everything and so it’s a possibility he’ll be sold in the summer.”
Newcastle have spent lavishly following their Saudi Arabian takeover but FFP rules on sustainability mean they may have to sell to balance the books with Tripper, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson all attracting interest. It’s not a situation Howe is used to, or is enjoying.
He added: “It has been a difficult window so far, as you can imagine for us. It’s the first time since I’ve been manager of the club that we’ve been linked with players leaving and that creates an unsettling dynamic.
“A lot of those rumours have been that, they are just speculation and there is nothing behind it.
“I’m trying to prepare a team to win the next game and we want to keep the team intact.
“Financial Fair Play is affecting all clubs. You look at this window and it has been very strange, very different to last year and that’s a consequence of that [FFP].”
Newcastle face Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow evening and Howe understands the importance of this competition given their mid-table position in the Premier League and exits from the Champions League and EFL Cup.
He said: “This is an important competition for us now, a new dynamic because of what’s gone before.
“We are desperate to get our best form back and progress.
“We are hopeful you will see a very energetic performance, and a very technical one because we have put a lot of work into that.
“We are determined to do well. I believe in this team.”
