Major Jacob Murphy move in the offing after impressive Newcastle United form
A significant development could be on the horizon for Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy, following an impressive season on the right side of Eddie Howe’s attack.
The 29-year-old, who last represented England at the Under-21 level during the 2017 European Championships, might now be poised for an international career shift. During his time with the Young Lions, Murphy saw his team eliminated on penalties in the semi-finals.
However, his recent performances in the Premier League have reportedly attracted attention from talent scouts in Africa, signaling a potential turning point in his career.
Nigeria appears eager to secure Murphy’s services as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With new head coach Eric Chelle at the helm, the Super Eagles are seeking dual-nationality players to revitalize a struggling team.
Chelle, preparing for his debut matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, has identified Murphy as a prime candidate to bring fresh energy and experience to the squad. Murphy qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father and remains eligible since he has yet to make a competitive appearance for England’s senior team.
The Nigerian Football Federation’s interest in Murphy underscores their ambitious plans to rebuild. Alongside Murphy, Chelle is reportedly monitoring other promising talents, including George Ilenikhena of AS Monaco, an 18-year-old forward also being courted by France, and Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, a Dutch-born player of Nigerian descent.
The Super Eagles’ efforts to recruit such players highlight their determination to bolster their roster in the face of recent challenges.
Nigeria has struggled in their current World Cup qualifying campaign, failing to secure a win in their first four matches. With three draws and one loss, they find themselves fifth in their six-team group, a position far below expectations for a nation with a storied football history.
Despite having renowned players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and Wilfred Ndidi, the three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners have underperformed.
The addition of players like Murphy could provide the spark needed to turn their campaign around and reignite hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup.
While Nigeria’s pursuit of Murphy gains momentum, the winger’s performances in the Premier League have also caught the attention of domestic football circles. As Newcastle United continues to challenge the league’s elite, Murphy has played a pivotal role in Eddie Howe’s attacking setup, showcasing consistency and adaptability.
His form has not gone unnoticed, coinciding with Thomas Tuchel’s recent appointment as England’s head coach. Despite the competition for places in the England squad, with established talents like Bukayo Saka and Jarrod Bowen occupying similar roles, Murphy’s recent displays have earned praise from Howe and sparked conversations about his potential international future.
Murphy faces an intriguing dilemma as he weighs his options on the international stage. Representing Nigeria would offer him an opportunity to play a central role in a squad looking to rebuild and reassert its dominance on the global stage.
It would also allow him to honor his familial heritage while gaining valuable international experience. On the other hand, breaking into England’s senior team would mean competing against some of the Premier League’s brightest stars, a challenging but rewarding pursuit.
For Newcastle fans, Murphy’s rise serves as a testament to the progress the club has made under Howe’s management. Once viewed as a squad player, Murphy has transformed into a reliable contributor in a team pushing for European football.
His ability to deliver in crucial moments has solidified his place in the starting lineup and drawn admiration from both teammates and supporters.
As the March international window approaches, all eyes will be on Murphy’s decision. Whether he chooses to represent Nigeria or continues to aspire for a place in England’s setup, his story reflects the growing prominence of Newcastle United players on the international stage.
For now, Murphy remains focused on helping Newcastle maintain their strong Premier League campaign, leaving fans and pundits alike to speculate on the next chapter of his career.