Jacob Murphy transfer would hand Everton clear striker blueprint after Alexander Isak partnership

Everton could add proven Premier League quality to their attacking ranks by completing a move for Jacob Murphy.

As covered by Goodison News, the Newcastle United winger has emerged as a potential target for David Moyes as preparations continue for the new campaign.

Murphy would offer experience a consistent source of deliveries from the right-hand side.

However, his outstanding partnership with Alexander Isak also demonstrates something that Everton do not have.

Thierno Barry and Beto scored 15 Premier League goals between them last season - hardly the most clinical of records.

And if they are to get the best out of Murphy, Moyes needs someone for him to combine with.

How must Everton build around Jacob Murphy?

Stylistically, Murphy is as old school as they come in the wide areas.

In a way that is quite refreshing in the modern era, his first thought is always to either cross, or find a teammate.

In a world full of goalscoring wingers always looking to move centrally, he is unique, and brings something much needed to a squad despite being the wrong side of 30.

His most impressive individual campaign came during the 2024-25 season, when he registered 12 assists in the Premier League.

Only Mohamed Salah produced more, while seven of Murphy’s assists were converted by Isak - the most productive provider-to-scorer partnership in the division, with 32.1 per cent of his passes to the Swede resulting in a shot.

Now, of course Everton aren't expected to go out and buy a striker of Isak's quality.

But unless an expert in and around the box is secured, Murphy would be wasted, as seen last year at Newcastle when he registered just two assists from two more successful crosses than the year prior.

If Murphy arrives, the Isak combination tells Everton everything they need to know - he needs someone to feed.

How long have Everton suffered from striker problem?

Everton's issues up front been going on for far too long.

Every summer, the same conversation begins as to who the Toffees will recruit, with the forward positions once again being mentioned.

In fact, this goes all the way back to Romelu Lukaku's 2017 departure, with the Toffees cycling through multiple failed buys since.

In the subsequent seasons, the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Cenk Tosun and the current pair of Barry and Beto have all failed to find consistent form.

The Blues came close with Richarlison, though he did not exactly fit the role of a traditional number nine.

In the years since Lukaku's exit, the conversation has happened regularly. And the simple fact of the matter now is that a player carrying the traits of Murphy would be all-but pointless if there is not the guarantee of goals coming through the middle.