Jacob Murphy’s Rise: From Norwich Prospect to Newcastle Star
Jacob Murphy has long divided opinion, with fans often unsure whether his flashes of brilliance matched his true ability. However, the 2024–25 season has seen Murphy emerge as a standout performer for Newcastle United, transforming perceptions of his career.
His resurgence can be credited largely to the influence of Eddie Howe, who arrived at St James’ Park in 2021. Since then, Murphy has grown into a key figure in Howe’s high-tempo, attacking system.
Murphy’s early promise first surfaced at Norwich City, where he broke through alongside his twin brother, Josh. Both brothers showed potential, but it’s Jacob who has enjoyed the more successful trajectory, while Josh struggled to make an impact following his £11 million move to Cardiff City in 2018.
Though Jacob spent only one full season as a regular in Norwich’s first team, it was a season to remember. Norwich received £12 million from Newcastle for him in 2017 — a tidy sum for a player with just one breakout year — and his time in East Anglia is fondly remembered by fans.
Murphy’s Journey Through the Ranks
After debuting for Norwich in 2014, Murphy spent time on loan to gain first-team experience. His early spells at Swindon Town, Southend United, and Scunthorpe United were largely uneventful. But his fortunes changed in the second half of the 2014–15 season, with more productive loans at Colchester United and, particularly, Coventry City.
At Coventry, he came into his own, contributing 20 goals and assists across 42 appearances — a breakout year that caught the eye of then-Norwich boss Alex Neil. That led to a full-time promotion in 2016–17, where Murphy impressed with pace, flair, and directness. He finished that campaign with nine goals and eight assists in all competitions — solid numbers for a young winger still developing.
The Move to Newcastle
Murphy’s form attracted Premier League suitors, including Crystal Palace, Swansea, West Brom, and Southampton. Newcastle ultimately won the race, signing the winger for £12 million. Though highly rated, Murphy’s early time on Tyneside was underwhelming, with limited appearances and loan spells stalling his momentum.
That changed with Howe’s arrival. Under the new manager, Murphy has blossomed into one of the league’s top wide men. After tallying more than 10 goal contributions in the previous season, he’s now surpassed 20, playing a key role in Newcastle’s dynamic style of play. His efforts helped the Magpies secure silverware at Wembley, ending a long-standing trophy drought.
Looking back, his breakthrough at Norwich during the 2016–17 season proved crucial. It set him on the path to Premier League success — a path he may never have found had he not grabbed that early opportunity with both hands.
