Newcastle United’s summer transfer window could ultimately be viewed as either a major step forward or a costly setback in their pursuit of Premier League success.
The club’s hierarchy oversaw significant changes during the window, with several established players departing as Newcastle increasingly focused on building a squad capable of competing for years to come. That change was also reflected in the dugout, with 38-year-old Matthias Jaissle appointed to succeed Eddie Howe and lead the club into a new era.
However, despite the sweeping changes at St James’ Park, one experienced player remained with the club — Jacob Murphy. The decision to retain the winger has not been particularly popular among sections of the Newcastle fanbase.
Why Newcastle should have sold Jacob Murphy
Murphy has played an important role for Newcastle during their recent rise and was previously a regular contributor from the right side of the attack.
The 31-year-old has been part of the first-team setup for six years, but his recent performances have raised questions about whether he still has a long-term future on Tyneside.
Last season, Murphy managed just five combined goals and assists in the Premier League, underlining his lack of productivity in the final third.
Despite having only 12 months remaining on his contract, Newcastle opted against selling him after Nottingham Forest reportedly made two separate approaches for the winger.
Given his age, contract situation and recent attacking numbers, keeping Murphy appeared to be a questionable decision. That concern has only grown since the start of the new campaign.
Murphy has featured in all four of Newcastle’s Premier League matches under Jaissle. During Monday’s defeat to Leeds United, however, he failed to register a shot or complete a cross, further highlighting the concerns surrounding his contribution.
Newcastle already have a potential replacement
Murphy’s continued involvement has frustrated some supporters, particularly with Anthony Elanga having made an impressive start to the season before suffering an injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Jaissle may view Murphy as the most experienced option to fill the void left by Elanga, but Newcastle have another exciting alternative in summer signing Bazoumana Toure.
The 20-year-old arrived from Hoffenheim for around £42 million and was brought in as a major investment for Newcastle’s attacking future.
Scout Jacek Kulig previously described Toure as an “explosive winger”, yet the youngster has had limited opportunities since arriving on Tyneside. He has started just once, with that appearance coming in the Carabao Cup, while his Premier League involvement had amounted to only 34 minutes before the Leeds defeat.
Toure was introduced for the final stages at Elland Road, largely because Newcastle were chasing the game. However, his performance may have given Jaissle a reason to consider giving the youngster a much bigger role.
The Ivorian scored his second goal for Newcastle after coming off the bench, adding to the goal he scored in the Carabao Cup victory over West Brom.
Despite spending fewer minutes on the pitch against Leeds, Toure completed two dribbles and delivered more crosses than Murphy. He also won a greater percentage of his ground duels and drew more fouls, demonstrating the problems his direct approach caused for the opposition.
His pace, explosiveness and willingness to take defenders on could be particularly valuable while Elanga is unavailable — qualities Murphy has struggled to consistently provide.
Toure clearly has the potential to become an important player for Newcastle, but he needs regular opportunities to develop and establish himself within Jaissle’s system.
Meanwhile, Murphy’s recent performances suggest that Newcastle may have missed an opportunity by refusing to sell him during the summer. With his contract situation and declining attacking output taken into consideration, the decision to keep the veteran winger is increasingly looking like a costly mistake.
