Newcastle United tie up long-term contract for highly-rated 19-year-old

Newcastle United have today announced that 19-year-old Irish defender Alex Murphy has signed a long-term contract at the club.

Alex Murphy joined Newcastle in 2022 as the Magpies began their quest for young talent they could develop into future first-team players.

Since then Murphy has been involved with the first team on many occasions, making his debut in the 5-0 win in the Diriyah Season Cup against Al-Hilal.

Eddie Howe then called the youngster up to train with the first-team in the summer where he went on to be involved in pre-season before making his way into the Premier League squad due in part to the massive injury crisis that swept the club.

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Murphy has two Premier League appearances this season

Murphy hasn't just been there to make up the numbers though, with the youngster having made a couple of, albeit very brief, cameos in the Premier League, most notably in the win over Sheffield United at St James' Park in which he conceded a penalty that was ultimately overturned after a VAR review.

After signing his new deal, Murphy told Newcastle United's official site that there's nowhere he'd rather be before setting out his goals for the future.

"It's some feeling and what I've been working towards since I joined the club almost two years ago. I love it here and playing my football here.

"I think I'm getting chances in and around the first-team so I think it's going well for me so far. I'm really excited to see what the upcoming years bring and I wouldn't rather be anywhere else.

"It was a big step for me moving away from Annaghdown. I had to wait until I was 18 to come over and it was a different experience, leaving Ireland for the first time, but I've learnt so much off the pitch as well as on it, how to live by yourself but I've loved every minute.

"The new contract shows that the club have faith in me, which is a big thing for any player. It gives you more stability, you know how long you are here for and you can set goals. Next season is big for me. I want to try and fully break through, playing in the Premier League every week. That's the goal."

Eddie Howe is hoping for more to come from Murphy

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe told The Chronicle that the club rates Murphy highly and they believe he will soon get more opportunities to shine.

“I’m really pleased to see Alex sign a new long-term contract here. It’s well- deserved recognition for the work he’s put in over the course of the season. He had a great pre-season in America and has gone from strength to strength since, earning himself a Premier League debut and a regular place in our matchday squads.

“We rate Alex highly - he applies himself brilliantly every day and he knows if he continues working hard that further opportunities will come his way.”