Howe must sell Newcastle flop who had even fewer touches than Pope vs Fulham

It’s finally over. Newcastle United supporters can rejoice in the fact that the 2025/26 Premier League campaign officially came to a close on Sunday.

The Magpies ended the season in 12th place, seven places lower than last term, and will not have any European football to enjoy next year.

A 2-0 loss to Fulham on the final day of the season meant that Eddie Howe‘s side finished closer to the relegation zone (ten points) than qualifying for the Champions League (11 points), even with fifth getting a spot in the competition.

Goals from Issa Diop and Tom Cairney consigned the Magpies to a dull loss at Craven Cottage on the final day, and it was one that came as little surprise to anyone who has followed the team closely this season.

David Ornstein reported earlier this month that the board still back Howe and he will not be sacked and replaced ahead of the summer transfer window.

Why Newcastle United need big changes this summer

If there is not going to be a big change in the dugout this summer, the club need to have big changes on the pitch by getting rid of several players in the current squad.

It feels like Newcastle are at the end of a cycle that started when PIF completed their takeover in the 2021/22 campaign, as there are a group of players who seem to be past their best in black and white.

Of the five players with the most minutes played in the Premier League for the Magpies this season, two players are aged 34 and none of them are under the age of 24.

In fact, four players aged between 34 and 35 and five players over the age of 30 played over 1,000 minutes in the league for the club, which suggests that Howe need to add more youthfulness to the group.

It is one of those veteran performers who should be the first player sold in the summer transfer window after their dismal performance against Fulham.

The 26-year-old Newcastle flop who must be sold this summer

Jacob Murphy was given the nod on the right side of the attack for Newcastle on the final day at Craven Cottage, yet he ended the day with even less of an impact on the game than 34-year-old goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Newcastle’s number one had 49 touches of the ball, making 12 ball recoveries and four saves, whilst the winger was withdrawn at the break after only taking 30 touches in the first half.

The English forward failed to make any meaningful impact on the game for the Magpies, as he came off at half-time with zero shots on goal and zero chances created for his teammates.

Murphy, who ended the season with three goals and two assists in the Premier League, did not provide any quality at the top end of the pitch in the first half, failing with all four of his attempted crosses.

He was also dribbled past three times without completing a single tackle for the team, which shows that Fulham’s players found it far too easy to get the better of him.

Murphy produced nine goals and 14 assists in the 2024/25 campaign for Newcastle, shining alongside Alexander Isak, but that form is currently looking more like a flash in the pan than a reflection of his ability.

The former Norwich forward had never racked up more than four goals or eight assists in a season before his impressive displays last term, which suggests that his performances this season are a return to normality for the attacker.

Now, Murphy turns 32 next season and it may be the perfect time for Newcastle to part ways with the forward before he regresses any further on the pitch.

Selling the 31-year-old, who was one of the five players who played more than 1,000 minutes in the Premier League for the club this season, would open the door for Howe to bring in a younger forward to develop at St. James’ Park.

Therefore, Murphy should be one of the first players out of the door when the summer transfer window opens, should any teams be willing to sign him, because he does not look ready to lead the club to a brighter future.