OPINION
Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy recently went on loan for the rest of the season at West Brom, which does not come as a surprise given his form this season.
Murphy now has the chance to fulfil his potential at a club where he is basically guaranteed an increased in first team opportunities, and that will no doubt do his confidence and ability the world of good.
But does he have a future at Newcastle when he returns?
Manager Rafa Benitez has said that the 23-year-old flyer does have a future at St James’ Park, just so long he is able to fulfil his potential thoroughly.
“Then you have you have players in his position who were doing well or different. I can see his potential. It’s very clear. It’s obvious,” he said as quoted by the Chronicle.
“He has to play every single game. I think he will have this chance. He has the potential. If he’s playing, he will be a better player at the end of the season. He just has to reach this potential.”
He is basically saying that if Murphy does not impress him during his loan stint at the Baggies, then he can forget about a future with Newcastle.
This means that the young ace will now need to play out of his skin in the Championship to ensure that his future remains on Tyneside next season, or he will be out of the door. If he can improve his consistency and his tactical understanding, then this should be a breeze for him.
He has already shown glimpses of what he can do with the Magpies, as he has been handed numerous first team chances already this season – all he needs to do now if prove he can do that, or improve upon it.
West Brom are in for a real treat if he can better his performances from this term, as there have been times when he has been really excellent.
However, he needs to get his head down and demonstrate that he is worthy of a future on Tyneside based on Benitez’ remarks – otherwise his Toon career will just go down the drain.