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In an announcement that most people thought was coming very soon, Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of English right back Kieran Trippier from Burnley FC. This announcement comes on the heels of reports that Trippier had agreed personal terms with Tottenham and had passed a medical yesterday. The club made the announcement on Twitter.
SIGNED: We are delighted to announce that we have completed the transfer of @trippier2 from Burnley. pic.twitter.com/f43daSAyDd
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 19, 2015
.@trippier2: "When I first heard that the Club was interested I didn’t have to think twice."
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 19, 2015
.@trippier2: "It’s such a big club and now I just can’t wait to get started and show everyone what I can do."
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 19, 2015
The fee for Trippier wasn't announced by the club but was thought to be in around £3.5m. Trippier was one of the bright spots, along with striker Danny Ings, on a Burnley side that was relegated back to the English Championship this season. He started every league match for Burnley and was an in-demand player.
As mentioned, Trippier will serve as a backup to and primary competition for Spurs' starting fullback Kyle Walker. Trippier probably won't dislodge an in-form and healthy Walker from the starting lineup but will be a more than capable deputy if/when Walker is unfit or injured.
This is the second signing of the offseason window for Tottenham after Austrian center back Kevin Wimmer, and the window hasn't even formally opened yet. Usually known for leaving moves until late in the window, the announcements of Trippier and Kevin Wimmer indicate that Mauricio Pochettino is keen on getting a full preseason of football with his complete team in order to evaluate the side. Spurs are still highly likely to sign a central midfielder this summer, and is also linked to a number of goalkeepers and strikers due to the rumors connecting Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane away from the club.
The signing of Trippier, combined with Pochettino's heavy use of Eric Dier as an emergency fullback last season, probably means that American fullback DeAndre Yedlin will be loaned out. Yedlin has been heavily linked to newly-promoted Norwich City in a season-long loan move, though nothing has been formally announced.
Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur, Kieran! GIF PARTY!!!