Newcastle United have signed England international full-back Kieran Trippier from LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid on a 2-1/2 year contract, the Premier League club said on Friday.
Tripper, 31, becomes Newcastle's first signing since they were taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in October and reunites with manager Eddie Howe, who signed the right back for Burnley from Manchester City in 2012.
Newcastle did not disclose the transfer fee but Sky Sports reported the deal was worth 12 million pounds ($16.2 million).
"I'm delighted to be joining this fantastic club. I really enjoyed my time in Madrid, but when I became aware of interest from Newcastle United, and having worked with Eddie Howe before, I knew this was where I wanted to be," Trippier said in a statement.
"I'm aware there is a lot of work ahead of us but I know the demands of Premier League well and I know what an amazing club this is with very talented players."
Trippier moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 and was part of the side that reached the Champions League final in 2019 before signing for Atletico.
He made 86 appearances and registered 11 assists during a 2-1/2 year spell in the Spanish capital, helping them win the league title last season.
Howe's side are second from bottom in the league standings after only one win at the halfway point of the season, a 1-0 victory over Burnley last month, while Newcastle's defence has leaked a joint-high 42 goals so far.
The arrival of Trippier, who has won 35 caps for England, at St James' Park represents a statement of intent from the Tyneside club who will look to address their defensive shortcomings during the January transfer window.
"A lot of hard work has gone into planning for the January transfer window long before the month began," said Howe as Newcastle aim to avoid relegation from the top flight.
"I am really pleased to welcome Kieran to Newcastle United. I have long admired his abilities and have followed his career, so when the opportunity arose to secure him, we didn't hesitate."
Newcastle will host 17th-placed Watford on Jan. 15.
