- Newcastle United beat West Ham
- Two second-half substitutes up for sale
- Rebuild on the cards
Newcastle United beat West Ham United 3-1 on Sunday and it might not just have been a St James’ Park farewell for Kieran Trippier. Eddie Howe’s Magpies have pushed the Hammers closer to the drop ahead of the final day of the season.
Nick Woltemade’s opener and William Osula’s brace sealed all three points for the hosts. Valentin Castellanos hit back with a consolation goal.
Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock came on in the second half of the win over West Ham. The English pair’s futures could very well lie away from Tyneside come next season.
Newcastle ready to sell duo
Willock assisted Osula for the Dane’s second after coming on for Sandro Tonali. The English midfielder continues to lack regular game time and it seems he and Murphy might have made their last appearances at St James’ Park.
According to Martin Hardy of The Times, Newcastle are prepared to sell the duo this summer. The club’s higher-ups are ready to part with both players if they “get the right offers.”
The transfer chiefs are tasked with a squad overhaul and moving the English duo is under consideration. There’s no word on where Murphy may end up but it’s noted that Willock has previously attracted interest from Fulham.
Willock arrived at St James’ Park from Arsenal initially on loan before joining the club permanently in a £25m deal in August 2021. He has done relatively well during his time with the Magpies but failed to earn a regular starting berth in midfield.
Murphy has been with the club since July 2017 and enjoyed his best season during the 2024-25 campaign. With 12 assists in 35 league games last season, it’s been somewhat surprising to see him lack consistent game time this term.
Time to move on
A rebuild is desperately needed this summer, and that means offloading players on the outskirts of the first team. Willock, 26, could fetch a decent fee given his age and experience playing in the top flight.
Murphy, 31, might not raise quite as much money, but it’s best to sell rather than keep the winger. He has been a fine servant for the club and can leave with his head held high after helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup and play in the UEFA Champions League.
The pressure is on the recruitment staff to sign players who can get the Howe’s side back on track and competing at the top half of the table. Their first priority will surely be replacing Anthony Gordon, who, as the report above states, is edging ever closer to a move to Bayern Munich.
