A very exciting move for the teenager.
Young Galway star Alex Murphy signs deal with Newcastle United, in what is a really exciting move for the teenager.
The 17-year-old will remain with Galway United until July, before joining the richest club in world football for an undisclosed fee.
Murphy was promoted to the Galway senior squad in 2021 and made his first appearance against Athlone Town at the age of 16 years old.
The left-back has since played 26 senior appearances for the club, scoring two goals, all before his 18th birthday.
He is also an underage Ireland international, having captained and scored already for the U18s.
The news was confirmed on Saturday morning, with Galway manager John Caulfield singing the praises of the young defender.
Alex Murphy signs for Newcastle United
𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗫 𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗛𝗬 𝗧𝗢 @NUFC ✍️
🤝: We can confirm we have reached a pre-contract agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of Alex Murphy for an undisclosed fee.
🇱🇻: The 17-year-old will remain with GUFC until July.
📰: https://t.co/Tg18NAeoxX#ItsATribalThing pic.twitter.com/967QF7zN4z
— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) May 28, 2022
Caulfield said: “As a club, it’s fantastic news that one of our own lads has come through the academy and has achieved such a fantastic move.”
“Only less than 12 months ago, Alex was not capped by Ireland underage and was really not known outside of our academy. He made his first-team debut at 16 years of age. Within 12 months, he’s been part of our first team, with over 25 first-team appearances and is now joining Newcastle in the Premier Division.”
“It’s an honour and a privilege to have a player who has got to that level within 12 months.”
He concluded: “It just shows that at Galway United, the opportunity for our players from our academy to progress to the first team is there if players have the determination, the attitude and the ability to come through. The opportunities are massive.”
Steve Harper, former Newcastle goalkeeper and current academy manager, said: “He is a very promising young player who has attracted a lot of attention from clubs. It is a real coup for our academy and is testament to the direction the club is going in under our owners.”
Given Newcastle’s newfound riches, it will be difficult for the young man to ever break into the team, but it also shows how highly he is rated to have been purchased in the first place.
Feature image via Galway United
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