​Newcastle United could be facing another wave of squad turnover as Everton emerge as a potential destination for long-serving winger Jacob Murphy. Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has indicated that the Merseyside club is showing interest in the 31-year-old, who is approaching the final year of the contract he signed after moving to St. James’ Park in 2017. With Murphy entering the last 12 months of his deal, Everton’s probing interest could accelerate talks and prompt Newcastle to consider selling him this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year.
Murphy has spent nine seasons with Newcastle, racking up more than 200 appearances and cementing his role during a pivotal period for the club. He was a fixture in the squad as Newcastle celebrated a Carabao Cup triumph in 2025, underscoring his contributions during a time of transition and revival for the team. Downie’s reporting suggests that Murphy’s future at Newcastle hinges on how much prey the club is willing to accept this summer, given that the winger is entering the final year of his contract and could depart with limited negotiating leverage on his side.
As Newcastle continues reshaping its squad under sporting director Ross Wilson, Murphy’s name has floated into discussions about potential departures. Downie added that while there has been no formal bid yet, it would be prudent for the Magpies to seek maximum value for a player who could leave on a free next summer if a deal cannot be struck. The possibility of Murphy moving on this summer remains speculative, but Everton’s interest has certainly added a layer of urgency to Newcastle’s strategic planning.
Everton, meanwhile, are weighing a range of attacking options as they reassess their frontline options. Downie noted that the Toffees are also contemplating a bid that could involve a return for Jack Grealish, illustrating the club’s broader strategy to bolster attacking depth. Murphy’s potential exit would fit into Everton’s broader plan to add experience and versatility in the wide positions, while also offering an opportunity for the Toffees to address their squad balance with a player accustomed to the Premier League environment.
For Newcastle, Murphy’s situation sits within a broader context of recruitment activity aimed at refreshing the squad. The club has recently bolstered its forward options by bringing in Bazoumana Touré, Sean Steur, and Ewen Jaouen as part of a younger recruitment drive spearheaded by Wilson. These additions signal Newcastle’s intent to blend experienced performers with promising youngsters as they build a more sustainable, long-term squad profile.
Murphy’s position at the club has been strengthened to some extent by New­castle’s decision to sign Touré from Hoffenheim, a move that demonstrates the club’s willingness to diversify its attacking options and provide competition for places. However, the pursuit of Victor Munoz, who ultimately joined Liverpool, left Newcastle without their top target in that position and may have influenced how they approach Murphy’s future. With Anthony Gordon sold to Barcelona and several other changes occurring in the window, Murphy’s potential departure could become a significant development in Newcastle’s ongoing post-2025 transition.
As the transfer window progresses, Everton’s formal approach—if it materializes—could shape Murphy’s next chapter. A potential move would not only alter the 31-year-old’s career trajectory but would also contribute to the broader reshaping of both clubs’ attacking departments. For Newcastle, the question remains whether they can command a substantial fee for a player who has served the club well while also negotiating a schedule that favors a renewed, youthful strategy. If Everton does decide to formalize a bid, Murphy could become the latest departure in a season already marked by notable sales and renewed strategic direction at St. James’ Park, continuing a narrative of transition that has defined Newcastle’s recent evolution.