Done deal: Newcastle confirm departure of fan favourite
By Russell Edge
Newcastle have confirmed that striker Daryl Murphy has left the club to join Championship side Nottingham Forest.
The Magpies announced the 34-year-old’s departure via their official Twitter account, as well as on the club website, stating that they had agreed an undisclosed fee for the forward.
His departure signals an end to his short stay at St James’ Park, having arrived last summer from Ipswich Town in a deal worth in the region of £3million.
Despite never establishing himself as a regular in the starting XI bar injuries and suspensions, Murphy became a fan favourite due to his positive approach, his work ethic and his knack of scoring important goals.
He made 16 appearances across all competitions, scoring six times, with his most notable striker coming as a late winner against Brentford, Murphy having come on as a substitute.
With Murphy gone, it leaves just Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez as Rafael Benitez’s senior options up top.
Football Insider verdict
Murphy’s departure was somewhat of an inevitability this summer, and it was more a case of when, not if. He has never been able to prove himself in the top flight, instead finding his level firmly among the Championship. His departure may leave Newcastle with a lack of options in the centre forward role, but they did well to get him off the books sooner rather than later. Fans will not be too disheartened by the transfer, but will hold him in high regard after his experience and nous of the second tier helped Newcastle secure both promotion and the title at the first time of asking. As for Nottingham Forest, they have secured a forward with a supremely professional attitude, and will no doubt act as a worthy squad player as they look to improve on a 21st placed finish, having avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth.
In other Newcastle transfer news, the Magpies are in a three-way Premier League pursuit for this £20million-rated player.
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