Alex Murphy (born 25 June 2004) is an Irish footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League club Newcastle United. He is a youth international footballer for the Republic of Ireland. Primarily a centre-back, he can also play as a left-back.
From Annaghdown, his dad was a coach at his local club, Corrib Celtic, where Murphy would play until joining Galway United in 2019, debuting at U15 level.
Murphy made his League of Ireland debut and his senior debut for Galway United in June 2021, in a League Of Ireland First Division match against Athlone Town at 16 years-old, as a left back
Murphy signed his first professional contract with the Tribesmen in August 2021 .
Interest in Murphy started at the beginning of the 2022 season as offers were made
Murphy joined Newcastle United from Galway United in July 2022.
During the 2022âÂÂ23 season, Murphy trained with the Newcastle first-team squad. He featured in first-team friendly matches, playing in a 5âÂÂ0 win over Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal SFC in Riyadh in December 2022. He also captained the Newcastle under-21 team, and played at both left-back and centre-back.
After impressing during the 2023âÂÂ24 pre-season, Murphy made his first senior start in a 2âÂÂ0 victory over ACF Fiorentina, keeping a clean sheet and playing the full 90 minutes. He made his league debut for Newcastle on 25 November 2023, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 4âÂÂ1 win in the Premier League against Chelsea. In May 2024 Murphy signed a new long term contract with Newcastle. On 20 January 2025, he signed for Bolton Wanderers on loan for the rest of the season.
He was included in Newcastle's pre-season tour of the Far East but on 27 July 2025, in Singapore, he scored an own goal in a 3âÂÂ2 defeat against Arsenal.
On 24 February 2026, he made his first competitive start for the club in their second-leg UEFA Champions League playoff tie against QarabaÃÂ. Playing the full 90 minutes, Murphy helped Newcastle advance to the next round.
Murphy played as a youth international footballer for the Republic of Ireland, and has captained age-group teams. On 31 August 2023, Murphy received his first call up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for their 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification fixtures against Turkey U21 and San Marino U21 on 8 and 12 September 2023. He made his debut for the U21 side on 7 June 2024, in a 3âÂÂ2 win away to Croatia U21 in a friendly.
Murphy is said to be comfortable in possession at centre back, with recovery speed. He is able to play as a left back, as well as both right and left centre back.
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