Leicester City have reportedly identified Portsmouth star Josh Murphy as a top target this summer, as reported by Pete O’Rourke.
The 30-year-old has had an impressive tenure at Fratton Park since his arrival in 2023.
Double Trouble
Twin brother of Newcastle United star Jacob Murphy. The twins were raised in a supportive family, with their mutual drive fuelling them to become career professionals throughout the EFL.
Josh’s career began at Norwich City, where he joined the youth setup at age eight. He later debuted for the senior team in 2013, scoring in a League Cup tie against Watford. A lack of game time at Carrow Road gave Murphy the chance to experience loans at both Milton Keynes Dons and Wigan Athletic, which helped provide him with valuable experience.
In 2016-17, he made his first positive impact on the Canaries’ first team, scoring 5 and assisting 7 in 32 games in the Championship, showcasing his lightning pace and attacking flair.
In 2018, Murphy joined Cardiff City for £11 million, a significant move. Despite helping them reach the Premier League. Despite solid form in the Premier League scoring 8 goals and 3 assists in 32 games. Inconsistent form and less game time in their return to the second tier led to criticism and limited starts in the Welsh capital. A lacklustre loan move to Preston North End in 2021/22 saw no contributions in 12 games.
A loan to Oxford United in 2021 revitalised his career. His permanent move there in 2022 culminated in seven goals and a brace in the 2024 League One play-off final which helped Oxford return to the second-tier.
Joining Portsmouth on a free transfer in June last year, Murphy signed a three-year deal. He delivered seven goals and 14 assists in the 2024-25 Championship season, earning The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season award.
A Surprising Move?
Since relegation, Leicester’s quiet transfer window has seen only veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic signed, with key players like Jamie Vardy exiting.
Unlike past big-money signings like Youri Tielemans, Leicester’s financial constraints favour cost-effective deals. Murphy’s contract until 2027 means there may still be a sizable fee, but nothing like the Foxes’ recent signings.
Leicester’s manager, Marti Cifuentes, will be seeking Championship-proven attackers after losing Kasey McAteer and facing uncertainty over Bilal El Khannouss. Murphy fits the bill, offering reliability over big money risks.
Writer’s View
At 30, Murphy’s career resurgence at Oxford and Portsmouth makes him a low-risk, high-reward option. His potential move underscores Leicester’s risk amongst PSR rules making this a pragmatic approach in a crucial transfer window at the King Power Stadium.
With a wealth of Championship experience, and still in his prime. Murphy will be looking to help get Leicester back to the Premier League in what may be a big season with several clubs looking to be in the promotion mix this season.
Leave a Reply