The striker arrived from Ipswich Town late in the transfer window.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has explained to the Chronicle the three reasons behind signing Daryl Murphy.
The striker arrived at St. James’ Park late in the transfer window in a move from Championship rivals Ipswich Town.
He is the second striker that Benitez signed in the summer transfer window, after the Spaniard also secured Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace.
Indeed, the move was something of a surprise given the options that the 56-year-old already had at his disposal in the position.
Daryl Murphy celebrates after scoring the third goal for Ipswich
And Benitez has explained the decision to bring the Republic of Ireland striker on board, saying they did so to add goals, experience and somebody who can handle the physicality of the Championship.
“We signed him because we knew he can score a lot of goals,” he told the Chronicle.
“The main thing for us is what he can give to our team. He can give experience, he can give goals and he can handle the physicality. So all of these can use in each game.”
Daryl Murphy celebrates after scoring the second goal for Ipswich
It will now be interesting to see what role Murphy has to play in Newcastle’s season given the competition in the striker position.
Many would argue that the other three forwards should be ahead of him in the pecking order, especially Dwight Gayle, from whom many are expecting big things a Magpies shirt.
Benitez clearly sees something in Murphy, though, and perhaps that could result in the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic losing their place.
Newcastle’s Aleksandar Mitrovic looks dejected
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