Josh Murphy in action for Cardiff City
According to The Sun, Celtic are planning to rope in £11m-rated Cardiff City winger Josh Murphy in the summer transfer window. The report suggests that Celtic boss Neil Lennon tried to lure Murphy on the transfer deadline day last month but couldn’t manage to do so.
Murphy, 24, came through Norwich City’s youth ranks and made 107 appearances with the senior team, scoring 20 goals and providing 12 assists before moving to the Welsh capital in the summer of 2018. He has also played for clubs like MK Dons and Wigan Athletic on different loan spells.
The Englishman was a part of the Cardiff team that competed in the Premier League last season. In 29 appearances for the Bluebirds, he netted 3 goals and provided 2 assists. He has continued the fine form this campaign, scoring 6 goals and 3 assists in all competitions this season.
He has helped Neil Harris’ side to the 8th position in the Championship table as they are fighting to return to the top-flight. Murphy has been a consistent member of the squad.
Meanwhile, the Hoops have a massive lead at the top of the Scottish league table. They have been excellent in their title chase.
With the campaign reaching its final stages, Neil Lennon has to make some adjustments to the squad. One area which the manager needs to address first is the left-wing position. Mohamed Elyounoussi, Mikey Johnston and Daniel Arzani are the players available in this position currently.
But the Hoops could fall short of players in the new campaign if they don’t bring in a winger. Elyounoussi and Arzani are on loan from Southampton and Manchester City respectively and nothing can be said about their moves being made permanent. And Johnstone has been sidelined with a cruciate ligament rupture. Hence, to strengthen the left-wing position, Daniel Murphy would be the right choice for Lennon.
The 24-year-old has been useful for Cardiff in the past two years. This season, he has scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists across all competitions. He could be helpful on the left if the current on-loan players leave. And he also has more experience at a higher level than Johnston (having played in the Premier League), who is just 20 and needs time to develop.
The English U20 international would be a huge benefit to the Celtic squad as he is capable of playing on both flanks equally well. He has also featured as a second-striker on a few occasions and his versatility could give the manager a new dimension to the game.
The London-born winger has a long career ahead of him and with Celtic, he would have an opportunity to prove himself. And the club can make use of his quality to the fullest. Therefore, Celtic must not miss the opportunity to sign Murphy and lure him to Celtic Park as early as this summer.