Jacob Murphy has realised a ‘childhood dream’ by completing his £12.5million move to Newcastle United.
The Premier League new boys’ chase of the 22-year-old winger has finally been concluded, with the Canaries academy product having had his heart set on the switch.
“It was a childhood dream of mine to represent Newcastle and the opportunity is now here,” Murphy said. “I can’t wait to get started.”
The England Under-21 international and his twin brother, Josh, were born in London but raised in west Norfolk, joining City’s academy as 11-year-olds having previously been on the books at QPR.
Jacob spent time on loan with six clubs, including Blackpool and Coventry, before making his breakthrough at Norwich last season when scoring nine goals in 37 Championship games.
Explaining that his parents and their families are all originally from Northumberland, Murphy said: “They’ve always been Newcastle fans so that’s who I chose to follow.
“The first game I went to with my brother, my dad took us to watch it, was against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup (in 2004). It was a 2-1 win with Alan Shearer and Gary Speed getting the goals.”
City are set to receive £10m for the academy product, who was a key part of the FA Youth Cup winning team of 2013, with a potential further £2.5m in performance related fees.
Murphy scored home and away against the Magpies last season, as City lost 4-3 away and drew 2-2 at home against the eventual champions, and was impressed by the atmosphere as Rafa Benitez’s team made a late comeback to win at St James’ Park in September.
“Last season with Norwich none of the boys could hear each other – all you could hear was the fans,” he added, speaking to north-east newspaper The Chronicle.
“I wanted to be part of that when I heard I had the opportunity to come and play here.”
Newcastle haven’t revealed the length of contract signed by Murphy but Benitez is pleased with the purchase, saying: “He’s a young and talented player and hopefully he can develop even more here.
“We hope he can show us the passion, commitment and ability that he showed in the Championship last season.”
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