Everton could contribute to the spectacular dismantling of Newcastle United’s first domestic trophy-winning side in 70 years with a move for Jacob Murphy.
Backed by Public Investment Fund, which is the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Magpies ended their three score years and ten drought by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 16, 2025.
However, in the 16 months since, eight of their matchday squad from that game have departed St James’ Park – Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for £125million; Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham Hotspur for £100million; Sean Longstaff, who joined Leeds United for £12million; Kieran Trippier, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer; Martin Dubravka, who joined Burnley on a free transfer and has subsequently moved to Tottenham Hotspur; Callum Wilson, who joined West Ham United on a free transfer and has subsequently moved to Brentford; plus Matt Targett and Emil Krafth who both officially departed at the start of this month when their contracts expired while former Blues winger Anthony Gordon, who was suspended for the fixture against the Reds, has joined Barcelona for £69.3million.
Newcastle's Financial Constraints and Changing Strategy
Despite being the world’s richest club – on paper at least – Newcastle football’s financial restrictions when it comes to spending have thwarted their plans to challenge the game’s established powers and there appears to be a change of strategy as captain Bruno Guimaraes could become a high-profile addition to that list with the Brazil international wanting a move and being pursued by Premier League champions Arsenal.
Another long-serving player who might be on his way out is Murphy. The ECHO’s sister paper in Newcastle, the Chronicle, understands the 31-year-old’s agent has been contacted about a potential exit after nine years on Tyneside.
Although he was born in Wembley and came through the youth ranks at Norwich City with his twin brother Josh who now plays for Portsmouth, Murphy is a boyhood fan of the Magpies with his parents coming from the North East. However, as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal, the Chronicle states: “this is the last chance Newcastle may get to cash in on him while his contractual situation offers some value.”
Murphy's Career and Potential Fit at Everton
Joining Newcastle in 2017 after they were last promoted to the Premier League, Murphy, who operates predominantly on the right wing, has made 265 appearances for them, scoring 25 goals, including the final effort in their 4-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on April 27, 2023, and Eddie Howe’s side’s second deflected equaliser in the sides’ last meeting at St James’ Park on February 28 this year when the Blues triumphed 3-2 for their 12th away win since David Moyes’ return.
The ECHO understands that Murphy is a player that Everton admires but there is nothing going in terms of a potential deal at this stage. The Blues made right winger Tyler Dibling their most expensive signing of last summer when he joined for £35million from Southampton but he has so far flattered to deceive on Merseyside, completing just one full game in all competitions (the 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest on December 30) and featuring in one minute of first team action (at the end of the 2-0 home win over Burnley on March 3) since the winter transfer window closed.
Iliman Ndiaye mostly occupied the starting position for Moyes’ men last season but, as first reported by the Athletic, despite having been in talks since the start of the year his camp have rejected “multiple” new contract offers to reward him for his form since his £15million move from Olympique Marseille in July 2024.
