Prior to Leeds United’s FA Cup clash with Queens Park Rangers, manager Marcelo Bielsa spoke to the press and stated that he is in the market for a new goalkeeper and a winger.
Samuel Saiz agreed a deal to return to Spain with Getafe for the rest of the season, leaving Leeds United in need of a new winger. In Saiz’s absence, Pablo Hernandez – who has been deployed at right wing for the majority of the season so far – has had to fill in at attacking midfield.
The Championship promotion contenders were heavily linked with a move for Hoffenheim winger Steven Zuber, but it was announced that he has joined German side VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday morning.
Amid Zuber’s move to Stuttgart, Leeds’ winger chase has suffered a serious setback. But, they should look to Newcastle United once again to bring in a much needed winger.
United have been linked with moves for Toon goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman in the run up to and during the January transfer window.
Next on Bielsa’s list at Newcastle should be winger Jacob Murphy, who could come in to fill the gap left by Samuel Saiz.
Murphy joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2017 for £10 million from Norwich City, after an impressive campaign with The Canaries. In the 2016/17 Championship season prior to his move to St James’ Park, Murphy played 40 games in all competitions, picking up nine goals and eight assists for his Boyhood club.
Toon fans were excited by the winger’s arrival, but he has struggled since making the step up to the Premier League. Murphy showed signs of serious promise in his first campaign with Newcastle, including an impressive goal against Manchester City amongst other promising performances.
At his best, Murphy offers a direct threat to the opposition’s defence. He enjoys attacking defenders on the inside or the outside, opting to cut in and shoot or attack the byline to get a cross in.
However, this season, Murphy has failed to make an impact on the side, showing a lack of confidence.
In last Saturday’s FA Cup clash between Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, Murphy was subbed off in the second half after failing to make an impact on the game, showing little to no confidence on the ball.
The Englishman’s lack of game time has seen him linked with a move away from the Premier League side, with Huddersfield reportedly interested in Murphy.
Toon manager Rafa Benitez is keen to hold on to the winger with Newcastle struggling with squad depth issues, but a loan move could see the young winger gain a massive boost in confidence, seeing him return to the form he showed at Norwich.
A loan move seems unlikely given Benitez’s reluctance to let players go without bringing in a replacement, but a loan move for Murphy could be good for Newcastle, allowing him to pick up first team football and regain some much needed confidence. The move would also benefit Leeds, with a proven Championship winger coming in to play on the win while Saiz is in Spain, allowing for Pablo Hernandez to remain in the attacking midfield position.
