Why Rangers should complete the transfer of Jacob Murphy
According to reports in Scotland (h/t Yorkshire Live), Rangers have identified Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy as a transfer target this summer.
The report states that Rangers are eyeing the Englishman as a potential replacement for Ryan Kent. However, they will have to face competition from a host of EFL Championship clubs like Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Stoke City. (h/t Yorkshire Live)
Profile
Born in London, Murphy started out at the academy of Norwich City in 2006 and progressed rapidly through the club’s youth ranks. The winger made his first-team debut for the Canaries in January 2014, but was soon loaned out to Swindon Town.
Temporary stints at Southend United, Blackpool, Scunthorpe United, Colchester United and Coventry City followed. And after making just 44 first-team appearances at Norwich, he joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2017.
Having failed to make the desired impact, Murphy was shipped out on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the second half of the 2018/19 season. Upon his return, Newcastle once again sent him on loan, this time to Sheffield Wednesday, where he impressed in the 2019/20 season.
Jacob Murphy would bolster Rangers’ attack
As things stand, Rangers have as many as six options on the wings. Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent, Jamie Murphy, Glenn Middleton, Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones are the wingers at Steven Gerrard’s disposal.
However, amongst them, Jamie Murphy has been linked with a summer move to Dundee United. At the same time, Kent is a target for Premier League side Leeds United. Should the duo end up departing, the Gers will be deprived of options in the wide areas.
And considering Middleton’s lack of experience, bringing in a new winger who can provide cover and make an impact when given the chance would be a sensible move for the Light Blues.
In that regard, Newcastle’s Murphy would be a viable option for Gerrard & co. The 25-year-old had problems at Newcastle in the past. But he showed his abilities during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday this past season.
Murphy ended the 2019/20 campaign with a return of nine goals and six assists in 39 Championship matches. And this for a team that struggled and finished 16th place in the English second division.
Should he be able to reproduce that form at the Ibrox Stadium, Murphy would prove to be a more than handy addition to the Gers’ squad.
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Verdict
With Ryan Kent and Jamie Murphy being linked with an exit, Rangers are at the risk of ending up short on numbers. Thus, signing someone like Jacob Murphy would be a good move. The 25-year-old is coming on the back of an impressive season. He would add more depth and quality to the Gers’ roster.
