Portsmouth have announced via club media the signing of Josh Murphy following the expiration of his contract at Oxford United, beating the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Derby County to his signature.
Murphy had attracted plenty of interest this window with his contract with the U’s up this summer. Although there was always the possibility of him re-signing at the Kassam Stadium, it was revealed on Tuesday evening via club media that he’d made the decision to turn down a new deal with Oxford.
Later on in the evening, Portsmouth would unveil him as their newest signing, beating what could be perceived as more established Championship club in the form of Blackburn Rovers in the process. Murphy has signed a deal with the newly-promoted side which will keep him at Fratton Park until at least the summer of 2027.
Rovers are expected to be in the market for a goalscorer this summer with star man Sammie Szmodics potentially on his way out this window. The Irish international would scoop the Championship Golden Boot, scoring 27 times in the second tier last term. Adding in a further four assists, Szmodics would be directly involved in 52% of the club’s goals last term and without him they could’ve well been relegated.
As a result of his performances, the 29-year-old has gained plenty of interest from the Premier League. Rovers will no doubt be looking for more goalscorers this summer, potentially to replace Szmodics if he was to go but also to not over-rely on a singular player for goals.
Murphy would’ve indeed be a good pickup, and certainly knows where the net is. The winger would produce six goals and five assists in the third tier last term as well as scoring a further two times in the play-off final to send Oxford into the Championship.
Despite potentially being a good fit for Blackburn, they’ve be beaten to his signature by fellow Championship side Portsmouth who will be looking to further progress after winning the League One title last term.
Although he is rated at around the £425,000 mark by Transfermarkt, the winger will be joining on a free which will represent some great business by John Mousinho’s side.
Blackburn will need to look elsewhere to improve in the attacking areas, but there’s plenty of time still left this window to rectify that.
Writer’s View
Gaining Murphy’s services on a free transfer would’ve been a good piece of business by Blackburn, but given that it has been sometime since he had a decent season in the Championship, it is maybe wise that they look elsewhere.
It is paramount that Rovers bring in some fresh attacking talent this summer and somewhat of an overhaul is needed after last season’s poor showing in front of goal bar that of Szmodics. No other player hit double digits which further emphasises their current problem.
If they want to progress further up the table next season then it is certainly something that they need to address. They’ve missed out on a transfer target in the form of Murphy, but expect them to have their eye on plenty of other similar players.
Senior Editor
