Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Ipswich Town forward Daryl Murphy.
The 33-year-old, who has scored 50 goals for the Tractor Boys since June 2013, signs a two-deal with the Magpies after a reported £3 million fee was agreed between the two clubs.
Murphy’s arrival will likely signal the end in United’s pursuit for a striker as Rafael Benitez had identified the Republic of Ireland international as the man to bolster his side’s attacking line.
The ex-Sunderland player will have two weeks with his new team-mates before they head to the iPro Stadium to face Derby County in the Toon Army’s next Championship fixture.
Delighted Murphy
At this late stage of his career, Murphy will no doubt relish the opportunity to play for a club such as Newcastle United as well as having the honour of playing in-front of 52,000 fans every fortnight.
The striker spoke to NUFCTV after signing on the dotted line and was quick to show his joy by saying he was “absolutely delighted and really looking forward to it.”
Murphy also explained that as soon as he knew the Magpies were interested in his services, “it was a no-brainer” for him to join the club. He added he’s “happy it’s all done.”
The Irishman, who was a part of the Sunderland side that gained promotion from the Championship in 2007, will have the task of contributing goals to aid the Magpies’ promotion challenge.
And Murphy suggested that there is no reason why the Geordies can’t bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
"I think with the squad of players that the club have now, there's no reason why we shouldn't be there or thereabouts come the end of the season," he continued.
Benitez signs an “experienced” head
Recent weeks have saw Newcastle linked with a European striker in Bas Dost, however, Benitez has opted for Championship experience rather than European reputation.
Out of United’s striking department in Dwight Gayle, Aleksander Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez, Murphy has the strongest knowledge of what it takes to score in the Championship, which is why the Spaniard moved to sign the player.
Benitez highlighted Murphy’s second-tier experience as a big factor. And he also insisted that the striker “has proven that he can score goals in the Championship.”
After both Gayle and Mitrovic suffered concussion in mid-week, causing them to miss the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, Benitez selected Ayoze Perez as the man to lead the line on his own.
Benitez said Murphy gives his team “another option in attack” which was needed as everyone “could see from this weekend's game against Brighton that we needed more bodies up front.”
"Daryl has a good attitude and he can be very important for us this season," Benitez added.