Published Sep 18, 2026, 7:15 AM GMT+1

Countless major players were moved on by the hierarchy, which subsequently resulted in an influx of young prospects emerging to help build for the future.

Even in the dugout, a youthful manager was chosen to replace Eddie Howe, as 38-year-old Matthias Jaissle was the man chosen to lead the Magpies into the next generation.

However, despite all the continued change on Tyneside, one player remained on the books, but such a decision was far from popular within the fanbase.

Why keeping Jacob Murphy this summer was the wrong decision

During the success of constantly challenging for a Champions League place, Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy played a key part off the right-hand side of the attack.

The Englishman has been an integral part of the senior ranks over the last six years, but it’s safe to say his time on Tyneside should be coming to an end.

The 31-year-old only registered five combined goals and assists in the Premier League last term, highlighting his struggles within attacking areas.

However, despite having just a year left on his deal at St James’ Park, the hierarchy decided to keep hold of the attacker even though Nottingham Forest made two separate offers for his signature.

Such a decision was a baffling one given his struggles on the pitch, but given he has just one year left on his deal - such a call has become even more alarming.

Even since the transfer window closed, Murphy has remained a key part of Jaissle’s senior ranks, with the forward featuring in all four of the club’s league games this term.

He failed to take a single shot or complete a single cross during the loss against Leeds United on Monday, with the club needing to desperately move the experienced man on.

Why Newcastle already have a bigger talent than Murphy

Murphy’s continued inclusion within the starting eleven is now starting to anger many Newcastle fans who believe he’s no longer at the level needed to achieve success.

Anthony Elanga has started the 2026/27 campaign in red-hot form, but his recent injury setback has seen the Swede miss key games and is now set for an extended period on the sidelines.

As a result, Jaissle may believe Murphy is the perfect player to replace the former Forest man, but such a decision would be ludicrous given his recent struggles.

The German should desperately be looking in the direction of summer addition Bazoumana Toure, who has barely featured after his £42m move from Hoffenheim.

An "explosive winger" in the words of scout Jacek Kulig, the Ivorian was seen as a big-money reinforcement to bolster the attacking department, but to date, he’s only started once - with such an appearance coming in the Carabao Cup.

He’s only featured for 34 minutes in the Premier League since his summer switch, with 33 of the aforementioned minutes coming in Monday’s defeat to Leeds.

Such a decision to utilise the 20-year-old off the bench was largely due to the scoreline, but his performance should force the youngster to become more prominent in the manager’s system.

Toure came off the bench to net his second goal for the Magpies, adding to the effort he registered during the recent victory over West Brom in the Carabao Cup.

Alongside his late strike, the new winger completed two dribbles and more crosses than Murphy despite featuring for fewer minutes at Elland Road.

The Ivorian also managed to win more of the ground duels he entered, whilst winning more fouls - highlighting the threat he posed to the opposition after his introduction.

His direct and pacey nature is exactly what the Magpies will lack in Elanga’s absence - which is also something Murphy has been unable to provide in recent times.

It’s clear Toure is an excellent talent and one who could be a huge asset for the club, but it’s vital that the manager hands him the opportunity he needs to reach the next level.

As for Murphy, he’s constantly shown he’s not at the level needed for success in England, with the decision not to sell him now looking like a major fumble.