Jacob Murphy bids farewell as ‘monster’ Newcastle player exit confirmed
Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has finally sparked into life as players head in and out of St. James’ Park.
The Magpies’ fifth-placed Premier League finish off the back of their EFL Cup victory means a return to the Champions League next season, but their start to the summer window had arguably been sluggish.
Free agent Antonio Cordero and Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi had been Newcastle’s only additions of the summer so far, but a £55million deal for Nottingham Forest flyer Anthony Elanga is now advanced.
Elanga’s addition could put paid to Jacob Murphy’s chances of regular game-time on the right flank next season, after he had arguably the most productive season of his career with nine goals and 14 assists.
Murphy praises ‘monster mentality’ after confirmed Newcastle exit
Murphy’s performances last term made him one of Newcastle‘s most clinical players and established his starting place out wide, but the 30-year-old will find his position under threat after Elanga’s arrival.
The Sweden winger’s transfer isn’t the only movement at St. James’ Park in recent days though, after Newcastle confirmed that striker Callum Wilson will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.
Wilson leaves the Magpies with 49 goals in 130 games and could stay in the Premier League with a move to Leeds currently on the cards, as Murphy joined a long line of Newcastle players to bid him farewell.
In an Instagram story post (7 July), the winger said: “Monster mentality that inspired a dressing room. Thanks for the memories and teachings, brother”.
Murphy to move into Wilson role after Elanga arrival?
Football Insider Verdict
Elanga’s imminent £55m move from Nottingham Forest has been agreed and he looks set to become Newcastle’s first statement signing of the summer, but a replacement for Wilson will also be needed.
Alexander Isak will remain Eddie Howe‘s first choice up front with William Osula as back-up, but Elanga joining Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Murphy gives Newcastle a formidable frontline regardless.
Murphy‘s place on the right is under threat, but given Wilson‘s on-field role was reduced last term due to his own spells on the sidelines, the timing could be ideal for Murphy to become the “mentality monster” who Newcastle can’t do without.