Newcastle United’s summer was defined by high-profile transfer dealings and an effort to reshape Eddie Howe’s squad into one capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.
They endured frustrations in the striker market, failing to secure Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, or Benjamin Šeško.
Persistent interest in Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa seemed unlikely to bear fruit until the dominoes finally fell on deadline day.
Alexander Isak’s record-breaking £125m move to Liverpool freed Newcastle to act decisively. Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade arrived for £69m, while Wissa followed soon after in a £55m deal.
The pair were joined by Aaron Ramsdale, Jacob Ramsey, and Malick Thiaw, signalling Howe’s intent to add both quality and depth across the pitch.
The season began with a stuttering rhythm.
A goalless draw with Aston Villa left supporters encouraged by the performance but frustrated at the lack of a cutting edge.
A dramatic 3-2 defeat at home to Liverpool followed, sealed by a 100th-minute winner from Rio Ngumoha, while a second 0-0 draw away at Leeds raised questions about Howe’s experiments with a 3-4-3 formation.
Newcastle finally found their first win with a 1-0 home victory over Wolves, before a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona marked their Champions League return.
Throughout those early fixtures, the battle for the right-wing berth has become one of the most intriguing tactical storylines.
Howe initially favoured one of his latest signings, but Jacob Murphy has consistently reminded him of his reliability and end product.
The two wide men now look set for fierce competition to link up with Woltemade at the tip of Newcastle’s new attack.
Elanga's early struggles for consistency
Signed from Nottingham Forest for £55m, Anthony Elanga arrived with a reputation as a dynamic winger who could stretch defences and create chances in the final third.
His output in the Premier League last season was impressive: 11 assists and consistent involvement across 82 appearances for Forest.
His statistical profile suggests he has the tools Newcastle need, ranking in the 94th percentile for assists per 90 (0.40) and crosses per 90 (6.66), as per FBref.
But those numbers have not yet translated seamlessly onto Tyneside.
In the opening fixture against Aston Villa, Elanga was handed the start over Murphy, only to deliver a subdued performance that drew heavy criticism.
Against Liverpool, Elanga fared better, showing glimpses of the pace and direct running that convinced Howe to invest heavily.
Still, without a recognised striker leading the line, his efforts went unrewarded.
His best display so far came against Barcelona, where he stretched the Catalan defence and showed a willingness to commit players one-on-one.
Yet even there, Newcastle looked rejuvenated after he was replaced, highlighting the inconsistency that has marked his early weeks at the club.
Elanga’s ceiling remains high, and Howe has been quick to defend him, insisting adaptation takes time.
However, with Newcastle increasingly reliant on players who can deliver in the final third, patience may wear thin if those flashes of quality do not soon become a regular feature.
Why Murphy & Woltemade now have to start every game
Waiting in the wings – quite literally – is Murphy, a boyhood Newcastle fan whose journey has made him one of the most popular members of Howe’s squad.
Signed from Norwich in 2017, he has amassed 222 appearances for the club, with 21 goals and 36 assists to his name.
Last season, Murphy recorded 12 assists, many of them simple cut-backs or crosses that Isak finished with ruthless efficiency.
Statistically, Murphy’s profile provides a compelling case. He is, after all, a real “unsung hero”, according to journalist Scott Wilson.
Matches Played
35
Goals
8
Assists
12
Progressive Carries
79
Progressive Passes
83
Source: FBRef
He ranks in the 99th percentile for assists per 90 (0.50) and in the 84th percentile for crosses per 90 (4.99).
While he may not attempt as many deliveries as Elanga, his accuracy and decision-making often make the difference.
His habit of putting it on a plate for strikers has been particularly valuable for Newcastle’s forwards, and early signs suggest Nick Woltemade could be the next beneficiary.
Evidence of that partnership came quickly.
In the 1-0 victory over Wolves, Murphy marked his return to the starting XI with a perfectly judged cross for Woltemade’s decisive goal.
Days later, in the Champions League clash with Barcelona, he repeated the trick, whipping in another precise delivery that allowed Anthony Gordon to score.
Two high-quality assists in as many games underscored his reliability and highlighted the potential of a lethal understanding with Newcastle’s new striker.
Murphy’s advantage is not just technical but also mental. At 30, he offers composure, discipline, and a deep knowledge of Howe’s system.
While Elanga represents investment in the future, Murphy provides immediate impact – something Newcastle need as they balance Premier League ambitions with the demands of European football.
The coming weeks are likely to determine who secures the starting spot on the right wing.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Elanga has youth, pace, and statistical promise, but Murphy’s proven record and tangible contributions make him difficult to ignore.
Howe may rotate between the two, but if early performances are anything to go by, Murphy has already built a strong case to reclaim his role as Newcastle’s first-choice wide man.
