Josh Murphy stance emerges as Leicester City make offer for Portsmouth star
Josh Murphy was one of Portsmouth’s best players last season, but his future has now been plunged into doubt.
Murphy recorded the joint-most assists in the Championship last season, creating 14 goals alongside West Brom’s Tom Fellows as the best creators in the division.
The 30-year-old is a crucial player for Portsmouth, and with days left in the window, it would be a huge blow to lose him now.
A bid has now arrived for the attacker, and Portsmouth will now face a potential problem over Murphy in the coming days as his future is decided.
Portsmouth reject Leicester City bid for Josh Murphy
Leicester City were relegated from the Premier League last season, and are now aiming to add quality to their squad to try and win the Championship again.
As reported by Alex Crook on 30 August, Leicester have made a bid for Murphy, and the player is open to the move if a deal can be agreed.
| Josh Murphy Portsmouth statistics | |
| Signed | June 2024 |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 15 |
However, Portsmouth have set a stance that Murphy is absolutely not for sale, with the winger a key player for John Mousinho.
Murphy played 90 minutes in Portsmouth’s 1-0 win over Preston, and they will hope that was not his final appearance for the club.
“Understand Leicester have had one bid for Josh Murphy rejected,” Crook said. “Portsmouth adamant he is not for sale.
“Player would be keen if that stance changes between now and Monday. Played the full 90 mins in the win over Preston today.”
Portsmouth cannot sell Josh Murphy now
While a big bid for an ageing player may be tempting, there is simply not enough time left in the window to replace Murphy well, and losing him from the side would be damaging for Mousinho.
With Callum Lang picking up a long-term injury, there is even more importance placed on Murphy as the main creator in the squad.
Murphy is popular among the Portsmouth fanbase, and losing him so close to the deadline would be a devastating blow after such a positive start to the season.
Portsmouth are under no financial pressure to sell, and it would set a bad precedent if their top players are being willingly let go with little chance of a replacement being found in time.
The winger may be keen on the move given the potential to earn more at Leicester and possibly return to the Premier League, but unless he agitates for a transfer, he should be kept at all costs.
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