Who is Alex Murphy? Newcastle United’s ‘brilliant’ Irish full-back aiming to impress Eddie Howe

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Alex Murphy is a professional footballer for Newcastle United, hoping to break into Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle United are always on the lookout for exciting talents they can recruit to their own academy, with the hope of them continuing their development and becoming first-team stars one day.

The success rate on the approach hasn’t been great so far, but one player who was signed for a pittance and played in the Premier League is young full-back Alex Murphy.

After spending the last half of 2024-25 out on loan, Murphy has returned to the club for pre-season, aiming to get even more opportunities in Eddie Howe’s side.

Murphy is training with the seniors in pre-season and will be hoping to impress.

Here’s what you need to know about him.

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Who is Alex Murphy?

Alex Murphy is a young defender for Newcastle United, who is primarily a left-back but can also fit in at centre-back as well.

Murphy started his career at his local club, Corrib Celtic, before being picked up by giants Galway United, aged 15. A year later, he made his senior debut aged 16.

Two years on and Newcastle came calling. He trained with the first team immediately, but played for the youth teams during his first year at the club.

In November 2023, Murphy made his senior competitive debut in the 4-1 Premier League win over Chelsea and signed a new long-term deal in 2024. He has also represented Ireland at U18-U21 level.

How much did Newcastle United pay for Alex Murphy?

Newcastle signed Murphy from Galway United in the summer of 2022.

The youngster reportedly cost the club around £100,000 on his transfer fee.

Alex Murphy height

Murphy stands at 6’2″ tall, which makes him a physically imposing defender but leaves him nimble and pacey enough to play on the flanks as well as in the middle.

Alex Murphy age

Murphy was born in Galway, Ireland, on June 25, 2004. As of July 2025, he is 21 years old.

Though Murphy is still young enough to improve his game and remains contracted at St. James’ Park until 2028, he is running out of time to break into the Newcastle first team.

Alex Murphy stats

Murphy’s career stats for club and country so far.

Alex Murphy Instagram and X/Twitter accounts

Murphy has an official Instagram account @alexmurphyy5 that has 18.4k followers.

He does not appear to have an X, formerly Twitter, account.

Praise for Alex Murphy

Murphy had mixed success during his loan spell at Bolton, as he scored twice in 13 appearances but was also criticised by supporters for some defensive displays.

Bolton boss Steve Schumacher picked Murphy out for praise after his display in a 2-1 win over Burton Albion, though.

He said: “George (Johnston) was going to play but Alex stepped in and I thought he was brilliant.

“Like I say, he wasn’t going to start for us but when we knew George had picked up the injury he had to step in right at the very end.

“He had done the match prep but not the 11 v 11 stuff yet in training, but I thought he was great.

“He was brilliant, he slotted into that left-hand side centre-back role, which was perfect for him because he is a bombing, running-forward, full-back really.”