Newcastle facing new 'big blow' as yet another senior star could follow Bruno Guimaraes in leaving
Newcastle United would face yet another blow if Jacob Murphy departs the club to join Everton this summer.
That is the opinion of experience former Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The Toffees are reportedly interested in the 31-year-old, who only has a year remaining on his contract at St James' Park.
Murphy made 46 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle last season, and sources insist that Eddie Howe is desperate for him to stay.
Yet the Magpies may be forced into a sale if he does not sign a new contract, leaving him to join the long list of exits at St James' Park.
Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier have left this summer, while club captain Bruno Guimaraes has made it clear that he wishes to join Arsenal.
Bryan King questions potential Jacob Murphy move
The 2024-25 season saw Murphy enjoy what was likely the best form of his entire career.
The former Norwich City winger scored nine goals and registered 14 assists across all competitions as Newcastle finished fifth and won the Carabao Cup.
But this season saw Murphy fall away just as much as the Magpies did, with his immediate future now in doubt.
"Well, he wouldn't cost much, I wouldn't have thought," King told Football Insider. "Although he played over 30 games, didn't he, last year? Well, again, why would you sell him?
"Unless he said he isn't going to stay and he's not interested in signing a new contract, so you've got to try and get as much money as you could for him.
"Which would be a big blow for Newcastle again, especially if the other boy [Guimaraes] wants to go to Arsenal."
Eddie Howe on 'selfless' Murphy
In Murphy, Everton will not be signing a particularly eye-catching winger, but certainly one who will work hard and is capable of producing a brilliant moment.
That may be exactly what David Moyes is looking for at Everton, or perhaps a leader to guide a young group of wingers.
Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George could benefit from that figure, but it remains to be seen whether Newcastle let Murphy go amid Howe's appreciation for him.
"Jacob is very selfless, he always plays for the team, really takes a buzz out of creating a goal, he has always been that way. Those qualities every team needs," he said in 2024.