Exclusive: Portsmouth to ‘set sights on the new Josh Murphy’
Portsmouth pulled off a masterstroke by bringing in Josh Murphy during the summer.
The Englishman has contributed to 15 goals in the second tier since signing from Oxford United in what was seen as a controversial move at the time.
The 30-year-old has proved to be one of Pompey’s best players this campaign as Championship survival looks likely with 11 games remaining.
Looking ahead to the upcoming window, John Mousinho will be keen to replicate the success of the forward with new additions.
Portsmouth to sign Murphy level players this summer
It is safe to say that this campaign has been excellent to this point for the PO4 club as the avoidance of relegation back to League One now looks secure.
If this is to be the case, it gives Pompey the perfect opportunity to look up rather than down ahead of a second consecutive season in the Championship.
For that to be the case, bringing in new players to match the level of a player like Murphy is going to be important.
Former Portsmouth midfielder Martin Allen has piled praise on the winger who he believes can act as a blue print for future transfers.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, Allen said: “He came from Oxford United where he played really well. He’s a big player at a big football club.
“The manager has done very well to keep them away from the relegation zone this season, but they’ve still got a lot of work to do.
“If they avoid relegation, it will give them the chance to add more players like Murphy who are hungry and have that quality.
“I believe with the fan base they have, they can start to grow upwards.“
Murphy signing will be tough to replicate
It is fair to say that the former Norwich City man is having an excellent campaign at Pompey.
As a player who was playing in League One last season, the wide man has proved himself to be more than useful at a Championship level.
| Stat (Championship 24/25) | Josh Murphy |
| Goal involvements | 15 |
| Chances created | 34 |
| Successful dribbles | 42 |
| Fouls won | 49 |
| Duels won | 128 |
Murphy has the most league goal involvements in the squad, three ahead of Callum Lang who has also contributed to 12 strikes this season.
If Mousinho has ambitions to succeed in the new campaign, signings at the level of these players are going to be needed.
It is certainly going to be interesting to see if that will be possible for a fair price that can help the Fratton Park club become even more competitive.