Newcastle United: Eddie Howe has made the right call as Jacob Murphy’s new contract details emerge

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe should be lauded for not handing Jacob Murphy a contract extension off the back of a strong 2024-25 season after new reports of an improved deal.

The FA’s 2025-26 agent fees list was published on Wednesday and confirmed that Murphy had signed an updated contract last summer.

Newcastle decided not to announce any new deal for the 31-year-old at the time, and multiple reporters have now revealed that they did not extend his contract but handed him improved terms following a strong campaign.

Murphy’s Magpies contract is still set to expire in 2027, which will be a relief to many fans after his lacklustre performances this season.

Howe has been criticised for many of their on and off-pitch struggles over the last nine months, but made the right decision regarding Murphy to help aid Newcastle’s finances in the long run.

Jacob Murphy has clearly dropped off this season compared to 2024-25

No one can deny that Murphy was deserving of an upgraded contract after he impressed throughout last term, especially after his previous extension came back in 2021.

He was one of Newcastle’s best players as they won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League, with nine goals and 14 assists in 41 appearances.

The 31-year-old has massively struggled to continue such fine form into this campaign, with the departure of Alexander Isak and his injury woes being two of the biggest factors in his downfall.

He has only started three Premier League games since the turn of the year, and it seems pretty certain that he will not reach his previous heights anytime soon.

Howe is a huge admirer of Murphy and could very easily have convinced the club to offer him a contract extension last summer, leaving them with an ageing player on a deal set to run for another two or three years.

He didn’t, though, and clearly made the right decision not to, given how the 31-year-old’s 2025-26 campaign has transpired so far.

Murphy could follow Howe out of Newcastle if they wield the axe this summer

Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle are losing patience with Howe following their Tyne-Wear derby loss before the international break.

His future at the club is in real doubt ahead of the summer, and if he does leave, then Murphy may also be let go by whoever becomes their new manager.

Howe’s high-intensity, counter-attacking style has suited Murphy down to the ground over the last few years, and given that he is in the final year of his contract and past 30, it would not be a shock to see him moved on if Newcastle do dismiss their boss.

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