Alex Murphy (footballer)

For other people named Alex Murphy, see Alex Murphy (disambiguation).

Alex Murphy (born 25 June 2004) is an Irish footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League club Newcastle United. He is a youth international footballer for the Republic of Ireland. Primarily a centre-back, he can also play as a left-back.^[1]

Alex Murphy

Personal information
Full name	Alex Murphy
Date of birth	(2004-06-25) 25 June 2004 (age 20)
Place of birth	Galway, Ireland
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s)	Centre back, left-back
Team information
Current team	Newcastle United
Number	37
Youth career
0000–2019	Corrib Celtic
2019–2021	Galway United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2021–2022	Galway United	31	(2)
2022–	Newcastle United	2	(0)
International career‡
2021	Republic of Ireland U18	4	(1)
2021–2023	Republic of Ireland U19	9	(0)
2024–	Republic of Ireland U21	4	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:37, 27 April 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21:16, 17 November 2024 (UTC)

Career

Youth career and breakout season

From Annaghdown, his dad was a coach at his local club, Corrib Celtic, where Murphy would play until joining Galway United in 2019, debuting at U15 level. Murphy made his senior debut for Galway United in 2020, against Athlone Town at 16 years-old, as a left back.

Newcastle United

Murphy joined Newcastle United from Galway United in July 2022.^[2][3][4]

During the 2022–23 season, Murphy trained with the Newcastle first-team squad.^[5] He featured in first-team friendly matches, playing in a 5–0 win over Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal SFC in Riyadh in December 2022.^[6] He also captained the Newcastle under-21 team, and played at both left-back and centre-back.^[7]

After impressing during the 2023–24 pre-season, Murphy made his first senior start in a 2–0 victory over ACF Fiorentina, keeping a clean sheet and playing the full 90 minutes.^[8] He made his league debut for Newcastle on 25 November 2023, appearing as a second half substitute in a 4-1 win in the Premier League against Chelsea.^[9] In May 2024 Murphy signed a new long term contract with Newcastle.

International career

Murphy played as a youth international footballer for the Republic of Ireland, and has captained age-group teams.^[10][11] On 31 August 2023, Murphy received his first call up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for their 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification fixtures against Turkey U21 and San Marino U21 on 8 and 12 September 2023.^[12] He made his debut for the U21 side on 7 June 2024, in a 3–2 win away to Croatia U21 in a friendly.^[13][14]

Style of play

Murphy is said to be comfortable in possession at centre back, with recovery speed.^[15] He is able to play as a left back, as well as both right and left centre back.^[8]

References

1. "Alex Murphy". Soccerway. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
2. Oluwole, Bankole (15 July 2022). "Howay the lad: Galway teenager Alex Murphy makes dream move to Newcastle United". Irish Times. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
3. Doggett, Eamon (28 May 2022). "Alex Murphy Newcastle United: Signing's personal life and bursting Galway career start". Galwaybeo.ie. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
4. McDonnell, Daniel (13 April 2022). "Summer move to Newcastle on cards for 17-year-old Galway defender Alex Murphy". Independent.ie. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
5. Burke, Molly (15 March 2023). "Newcastle United youngster called up to first-team training as Eddie Howe admits Magpies outcast is 'very unlucky'". Shields Gazette. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
6. Fitzmaurice, Aidan (9 December 2022). "Irish teen Alex makes most of Newcastle debut as Howe says Toon kids have a bright future". Independent.ie. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
7. Knight, Chris (7 June 2023). "Newcastle defender who has taken 'tips' from 'top' team-mates hints at potential loan exit". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
8. "Newcastle United 2 ACF Fiorentina 0". Newcastle United Football Club. 2023-08-05. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
9. "Newcastle vs. Chelsea 4-1". Soccerway. 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
10. Knight, Chris. "Meet Newcastle's first summer signing after 'mad' whirlwind transfer which 'came out of nowhere'". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
11. Ryder, Lee (23 May 2022). "Newcastle United confirm purchase of teenage defender Alex Murphy". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
12. "Crawford names U21 squad for EURO qualifiers in Cork | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
13. https://www.fai.ie/latest/report-u21-croatia-u21-2-3-ireland-u21/
14. "'It's what you dream of when you're younger' – Alex Murphy targets starting role at Newcastle". Irish Independent. June 9, 2024.
15. Knight, Chris; Syers, Ed (10 July 2023). "The best talent coming through at Newcastle United as young stars try to catch the eye". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 22 July 2023.