Official Newcastle United statement confirms decision after transfer request

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Alex Murphy has left Newcastle United and joined Bolton Wanderers on loan for the rest of the campaign.

The Republic of Ireland youth international played twice in the Premier League last season and appeared in several matchday squads due to the Magpies’ lengthy injury list.

But with the likes of Sven Botman and Matt Targett bringing United’s backline close to full strength, Murphy’s first-team involvements have been limited.

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Newcastle United's Alex Murphy controls the ball during the football friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)Newcastle United's Alex Murphy controls the ball during the football friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United's Alex Murphy controls the ball during the football friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

The 20-year-old now links up with Bolton as they aim to secure a play-off spot in League One.

A club statement confirmed: “Newcastle United defender Alex Murphy has joined League One side Bolton Wanderers on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign, subject to EFL approval.

“The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut during last season's 4-1 victory over Chelsea and signed a new long-term contract with the club in May after establishing himself as a member of the first-team squad.

“Murphy, who joined the Magpies from hometown side Galway United in the summer of 2022, is capped by the Republic of Ireland at under-21 level.

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“He joins a Bolton side currently sitting ninth in League One and could make his debut at home to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening.

“Everybody at Newcastle United wishes Alex well during his time on loan.”

And by joining the Trotters, Murphy will get his wish of playing senior minutes. Speaking to the club’s matchday programme earlier this month, the defender said: “I want to play as many senior minutes as I can, whether that is here or somewhere else for the year,” Murphy said. “I want to get as many games under my belt as possible and then, hopefully, the aim is to play here [at Newcastle] every week.

“I want to show what I can do in men's football and I feel I am at that stage to do that. A year or two ago, I wanted the same thing but I then got called up into Newcastle's first team and you didn't care about that because you were getting that experience here and training with the squad.”

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