While much of the focus has been on Newcastle United's moves and missed targets, the management have been completing some shrewd business in the transfer market.
Four signings have been completed at St James' Park, with the Magpies' recruitment team having spent £112m to strengthen Eddie Howe's squad.
Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have all arrived on Tyneside this summer, with an average age addition of just 19 years and five months.
It looks like young players are destined to progress to the next level in the Premier League – but such a strategy could mean the end of one member of Howe's squad.
Why Jacob Murphy's time at Newcastle United is over
Newcastle's rise to the Premier League in recent years has seen the club play in the Champions League twice – with midfielder Jacob Murphy playing a major role in their success.
The 31-year-old, who has been on the books since 2017, has been a member of the Magpies' first team since 2020/21 – going on to make 223 appearances in all competitions.
However, last season the Englishman showed signs that he is struggling to match the levels he has produced in previous seasons – leading to questions about his long-term future at the club.
Murphy has registered just three goals and two assists in England's top flight, and his pre-season performances have fueled fans' concerns.
|
Newcastle Premier League Premier League (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Statistics |
|
Nick Woltemade |
11 |
|
Anthony Gordon |
8 |
|
Harvey Barnes |
8 |
|
Is Osula |
7 |
|
Jacob Murphy |
5 |
|
Yoane Wissa |
2 |
|
Anthony Elanga |
1 |
His failed spell against non-league side Gateshead angered fans and led to the 31-year-old being sold, but Howe will no doubt see him as a valuable and experienced member of his squad.
The midfielder even wore the armband in the aforementioned match, which highlights the manager's trust and faith in the striker despite the Magpies' credibility concerns.
While Murphy has undoubtedly provided fans with moments to enjoy at St James', his career has stagnated in recent times – which should lead to a potential sale this summer.
How Newcastle can replace Murphy this summer
Should Murphy be sold by Howe and Co this window, Newcastle will no doubt need to go back into the market to try and bolster their attack further.
A number of options have been discussed in recent months, with Toure a player who has completed a move to Tyneside ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
However, it appears that the Magpies are continuing their youth recruitment drive, with Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli once again on their radar.
It has been reported by Spanish outlet AS that Howe's club are the frontrunners to secure his signature this summer, while AS Roma are also monitoring his progress.
They also say the Moroccan international has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract and could be open to the idea of a move to the Premier League this window.
It remains to be seen how much the Magpies are willing to spend this window after spending £112 million, but it's safe to say they'll be getting top talent with a move for Ezzalzouli.
His statistics from his latest campaign in LaLiga highlight his incredible quality in attacking areas, which could mean the end of Murphy on Tyneside.
The 24-year-old registered an impressive tally of 18 combined goals and assists for Spain's top flight last season, finishing the year with 13 more contributions than the Magpies.
Such a tally was the third of any player in LaLiga who did not play for Real Madrid or Barcelona – further highlighting his incredible ability in the final third.
Ezzalzouli's ability on the ball has also increased in creating chances, which has seen the youngster average 0.5 big chances created per 90 – twice as many as Murphy.
The aforementioned figure also puts him in the top 15% of all strikers in Europe's top leagues – which could see Howe's men find the creative spark needed in the forward areas.
The Betis star ranked high with successful tackles and 90 fouls won, which also showed his threat to the opposition when he was full.
He completed 1.6 successful dribbles and won 2.8 fouls in 90, which, like his chances made, also put him above 90% of other attackers in Spain's top division.
Spending £51m on the Moroccan star would be another big deal for Newcastle this summer, but it would see them land a player who is in a major step up.
The need for a new attacking star on the right has been evident for months, and Murphy is unfortunately not a former Magpies player.
Ezzalzouli's departure will no doubt spell the end of the Englishman's time on Tyneside – with Howe needing to be ruthless to allow the Magpies to climb back into the Premier League next term.
