Dan James is reportedly a target for Newcastle United this summer, and a lot of fans are excited.
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James has taken the Championship by storm with his blistering pace and dribbling ability and a move to the Premier League seems inevitable.
Many Premier League club’s have had success in recent years by signing young players from the second tier, but Newcastle’s recent history is certainly a worry.
The Magpies signed Jacob Murphy for £12million in 2017, and that was an absolute waste of money. While some fans are excited by the prospect of a move for James, there is a portion of supporters who have noticed the similarities between him and Murphy.
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Some fans are worried about potential James move
And Jacob Murphy was a snip at £11m. Another quick, skilful, slightly raw championship player
— Craig Taylor (@craigtay75) May 8, 2019
Have we not been here before re Murphy?
— Stephen Matthewson (@onlyonetino) May 8, 2019
Another Jacob Murphy I fear!
— stephen fenn (@steviefenn) May 8, 2019
Don’t know much about him but would it be Jacob Murphy mark 2?
— Jacob Darnell (@Jacobdarnell9) May 8, 2019
by ur description, just like Jacob Murphy when we got him
— Robin Chan (@robinthebest) May 8, 2019
What like Murphy was last season!!
— Stewart Hunter (@HunterHotdog10) May 8, 2019
It’s understandable that fans are sceptical.
Murphy looked like a great player for Norwich in the Championship, but has never been able to step up to the Premier League.
His pace can cause issues for defenders, but physically he’s just nowhere near good enough. When you compare him to Christian Atsu, it’s hard to believe that Murphy cost about double!
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But just because Murphy has flopped, that doesn’t mean James will as well.
He looks like a confident player, which is exactly what he’ll need to be to step up to the Premier League.
He’s shown this season in the FA Cup that he isn’t scared when coming up against the best. When Swansea took on Manchester City, James didn’t shy away, constantly driving at the City defence and causing problems.
A big money move for a Championship player is always a risk, but this is one worth taking.