Premier League ‘cheeky bid’ lined up for Portsmouth star Josh Murphy
Portsmouth have reaped the rewards of taking a punt on Josh Murphy last summer, as he pays dividends for John Mousinho.
Pompey signed Murphy on a free transfer from Oxford United after he played a massive part in taking the Us up alongside the Blues.
Former teammate Mousinho has got the best out of the 30-year-old winger, who has fired 17 goal contributions in the Championship including 10 assists.
Darke moots Premier League interest in Murphy
Murphy has been a revelation at Fratton Park and should Portsmouth complete their survival mission this season, he is one of the main candidates to thank.
The Blues have enjoyed the fruit of their most experienced players this season, and Murphy has proven how important Championship pedigree is for a team new to the division.
TV commentator and Blues fan Ian Darke even expects Premier League clubs to hold an interest in Murphy despite his having turned 30 earlier this term, and top-end Championship sides will also come circling.
“I would say there is a possibility he leaves in the summer,” Darke exclusively told Pompey News.
“Football is a village, and everyone can see how good he is and the impact he’s had. It wouldn’t be the biggest shock if somebody in the lower part of the Premier League or top half of the Championship came in with a cheeky bid for him.
“Pompey would have to decide what their stance would be in that type of situation.”
Portsmouth must keep star men and build on them
Portsmouth cannot be affording to let their key men leave Fratton Park, or they will make no progress on this season in the coming year.
Murphy simply must be retained and all offers rebuffed, rather than succumbing to the temptation of an easy profit inside 12 months.
Pompey will already have one eye on their recruitment for next season, but cannot yet fully press ahead until their league status is confirmed.
| Josh Murphy – 2024-25 | Total |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Starts | 34 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 10 |
The Blues sit 17th but are now back within just four points of the drop zone, having been beaten on the road yet again on Saturday at the hands of Millwall (5 April).
Next up is another away trip, this time to play-off-chasing Coventry City, before hosting Derby County in a potential six-pointer at Fratton.