Worth less than Skipp: Levy struck gold selling Spurs star for 614% profit
This former Tottenham talent saw a healthy gain thanks to Daniel Levy.
Ange Postecoglou, who climbed from the youth to become the club record scorer with 280 goals from 435 appearances, knew when he walked through the door at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that Harry Kane would not be there to lead the group.
This season, Tottenham Hotspur has advanced significantly, so it’s perhaps for the best that Postecoglou realised his talisman wasn’t playing well right away. He was aware of what materials to deal with, and like any competent artisan, he made excellent use of them.
Even though Kane originally cost nothing, Tottenham at least made a sizable profit when he signed for Bayern Munich in August for a basic fee of about £82 million.
When taking into account the profit margins, it’s the biggest return the Lilywhites have ever had. However, this isn’t the first instance in which Daniel Levy’s astute and all-seeing eye has worked its magic in the market; a club was also rewarded handsomely by Kielan Trippier, albeit at a lesser amount.
Why Spurs sold Kieran Trippier
After initially signing Pedro Porro on loan from Sporting Lisbon in January 2023 and then paying £39 million for a permanent signing last summer, Postecoglou appears to have secured a star suitable for many years to come. The story of Tottenham and right-backs has seen its share of ups and downs over the years.
After Trippier left Tottenham in 2019, after making 114 appearances and contributing 23 assists and two goals, the position of right-back has been difficult for the team for several years. Players like Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty have attempted to fill the void left by his departure.
In reality, Tottenham acquired Trippier from Burnley in 2015 after paying the player’s £3.5 million buyout clause. This was a great deal for a full-back who would later establish himself as an England international and win La Liga with Atletico Madrid.
Trippier undoubtedly had a long-term future down at N17, but he made some harsh remarks about the group and Levy in particular, alleging that he was forced away.
“What annoyed me… as you know, people in football speak and there are always rumours, but I know 100% for a fact – and this is what I was most angry about – that two months before the end of the season, Daniel (Levy, the chairman) was offering me to other clubs,” he said in an interview with The Athletic in 2019.”
“I knew for certain that was happening, so I knew my time there must be up. I was playing for my teammates and the supporters, but I also knew I wasn’t wanted.”
Although it’s generally acknowledged that the Three Lions star’s best days are behind him, his £25 million sale represented a 614% increase from the fee paid to bring him to the club, so it can only be seen as an incredible bargain. The player is currently back in the Premier League and playing for Newcastle United, arguably the lynchpin of this blossoming golden era on Tyneside.
Kieran Trippier’s season in numbers
According to FBref, Trippier is in the top 3% for progressive passes per 90 and among the top 2% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, shot-creating actions, and passes attempted throughout the previous season.
| Premier League 23/24: Most Big Chances Created | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Club | Stat |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 19 |
| Heung-min Son | Tottenham Hotspur | 17 |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | 14 |
| Dwight McNeil | Everton | 14 |
| Kieran Trippier | Newcastle United | 13 |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | 13 |
| Martin Odegaard | Arsenal | 13 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool | 13 |
| Stats via Premier League | ||
The vice captain of the Magpies has made 21 assists and four goals in 89 games at Newcastle. Described as a “hero” for his international exploits by broadcaster Gary Lineker, he is one of the most inventive and important players in the Premier League, let alone a defender.
According to Sofascore, Trippier has averaged 2.5 critical passes and 2.3 tackles per game while amassing ten assists from 25 top-flight games this season. However, there are indications of wear and tear and infirmity for this seasoned veteran, who has been chastised for some “disastrous” performances by Harry De Cosemo.
Trippier may have been a useful asset for Tottenham during the previous several years, but that transfer fee from before confirms that the agreement was accurate. It is unlikely that Trippier would prove to be the more athletic, all-around machine than Porro on the Tottenham wing right now.
With a current value of just £13 million, less than that of Spurs star Oliver Skipp, who is valued at £16 million, Trippier, who earns £120,000 a week, is naturally experiencing some depreciation. He will turn 34 in the upcoming 2023–24 season.
At 23, Skipp is a decade younger than his countryman, yet under Postecoglou’s management, he has only started four Premier League games and is undoubtedly regarded as one of the most disposable players on the team.
