MADRID – England right back Kieran Trippier has signed for Atletico Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur, the two clubs said on Wednesday.
Atletico did not say how much they will pay for Trippier, 28, although British media reported the deal was worth £20 million plus variables.
Trippier played a leading role in England’s run to the last-four of the 2018 World Cup, scoring from a free kick in their 2-1 semi-final defeat by Croatia.
He also helped Spurs to the Champions League final for the first time in their history last season, where they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
“With this signing, we add to our team a fantastic and experienced player who comes to us from the Champions League runners-up,” Atletico said in a statement on their website.
“The Englishman is a versatile fullback who can also play in midfield and has a fantastic right foot.
“Because of all this, we welcome Trippier to the Atleti Family, and wish him the best of luck at his new home.”
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpursOfficialover the transfer of @trippier2.
🏴 The Englishman has signed a three-year contract 😀
👋 Welcome to the Atleti Family! 🔴⚪🔴
👉 https://t.co/Wg399LgNOg #WelcomeTrippier #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/wATXjFnCbb
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish)
Trippier is the third defender to join Atletico in the close season after Brazilian pairing Felipe and Renan Lodi, while reports in the Spanish media say Spain centre back Mario Hermoso is also set to sign for Diego Simeone’s side.
Atletico, who finished second in La Liga last season, bid farewell to captain Diego Godin and stalwart fullbacks Juanfran and Filipe Luis after their contracts expired, while France defender Lucas Hernandez has moved to Bayern Munich.
Trippier will be the first English player to play for Atletico in La Liga and the third British player in Spain’s top-flight next season, alongside Scottish forward Jack Harper of Getafe and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/trippier2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trippier2.
We wish Kieran all the best for the future.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial)