Josh Murphy is set to remain a key figure at Portsmouth this season, but it was West Bromwich Albion rather than Leicester City who came closest to prising him away from Fratton Park.
The winger attracted strong Championship interest after an outstanding 2024/25 campaign, yet Pompey resisted all approaches to keep hold of one of their most important players.
West Brom Lead The Chase
Murphy had been linked with Leicester throughout the summer, but while the recently relegated Foxes tabled an offer, it fell well short of Portsmouth’s valuation. Instead, it was West Brom who pushed hardest, with multiple bids lodged as Carlos Corberán sought to add experience and creativity out wide.
The Baggies were understood to be ahead of Leicester on deadline day, but their pursuit ended with Murphy staying put and West Brom completing late deals for Samuel Iling-Junior on loan from Aston Villa and Charlie Taylor from Southampton.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho had made clear his determination to keep Murphy, who signed from Oxford United in 2024. His stance was vindicated when the 30-year-old went on to deliver seven goals and 14 assists in 42 league outings, a return that helped keep Pompey in the division during their first Championship season since promotion.
Pompey’s Attack Strengthened Further
Retaining Murphy, alongside the deadline-day arrival of Conor Chaplin on loan from Ipswich Town, has significantly boosted Pompey’s attacking options. Colby Bishop remains the focal point in attack, supported by Murphy, Adrian Segecic and Florian Bianchin, with Chaplin now adding another dimension.
Murphy has already featured in each of the club’s opening games this season, registering an assist, and remains central to Mousinho’s plans. The decision to resist offers demonstrates Portsmouth’s intent to progress beyond survival and establish themselves firmly in the Championship.
Writer’s View
This was a major win for Portsmouth in the transfer market. Murphy’s creativity and ability to produce in key moments were vital last season, and keeping him sends a clear message about the club’s ambitions. West Brom’s strong pursuit underlines the player’s value, but for Mousinho the priority was always building on the foundations of survival.
With Bishop, Chaplin and Murphy forming the core of the attack, Pompey look far better equipped for a second season in the division. If Murphy can replicate his form from last term, he could yet prove the difference between mid-table stability and another relegation battle.
