My agent let me know Newcastle were interested…I was like ‘come, on let’s get this done’ | OneFootball

When the club you have supported all your life comes knocking, it is usually an easy decision, which was the case for Jacob Murphy.

The then 22 year old signing for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United for £10m, back in summer 2017.

Jacob Murphy and twin brother Josh growing up in London in a Newcastle United supporting family with Geordie roots.

Maybe it was all too much for him back then, trying to make it as a 22 year old in front of over 50,000 at St James’ Park, having his first experience of Premier League football as well.

The fact is as well, Mike Ashley doing the dirty on Rafa Benitez, going back on promises to properly back him if/when Newcastle United got promotion. So Rafa not having the funds to do what he wanted to do, in terms of both first team and the squad, making it even tougher for a young inexperienced player to thrive.

Now playing under another great manager in Eddie Howe and surrounded by a real quality team, Jacob Murphy has made rapid late progress.

In 2022/23 it was six direct goal involvements in all competitions for Jacob Murphy, scoring four and two assists.

In 2023/24 it was eleven direct goal involvements in all competitions for Jacob Murphy, scoring three and eight assists.

Now in 2024/25 it is already twenty two direct goal involvements in all competitions for Jacob Murphy, scoring nine and thirteen assists.

Jacob Murphy on signing for Newcastle United back in 2017, talking to BBC Sport ahead of Newcastle v Chelsea:

“You have a crossroads situation where your career will go one of two ways. I vow to always choose the better path.

“My agent let me know Newcastle were interested. I was like ‘come, on let’s get this done’.

“Once you know the team you supported has come in for you it makes it an easy decision.

“To look down and constantly have the Newcastle crest on your shirt is amazing.”

Jacob Murphy with already 22 direct goal involvements (all competitions) this season, scoring nine and thirteen assists:

“I do have targets but I never try to force it.

“I always let it come to me if I’m doing the correct things.

“That’s how the universe works, it’ll always find you. This season been finding me.

“I have a great striker in Alex [Isak] to provide for and great experience behind me.

“Everything is clicking to help elevate my game and then I think my game elevates others.”

Wembley

“Wembley was amazing.

“The feeling was a lot different this time compared to when we were runners-up a couple of seasons ago.

“We felt ready.

“We felt this was our time.

“The build-up was good.

“A lot less nerves.

“Once the game started something felt different.”

England

“Dan [Burn] has not only been a really good friend but he’s been a great inspiration for myself and a lot of people in the dressing room.

“To see him getting the accolades and for people to really appreciate him as a player at 32, that is added incentive.

“Dreams of playing international football can still be there.

“Credit to the new manager [Thomas Tuchel] for putting faith in Dan at such an age.