Celtic reportedly made a January move to sign Cardiff City winger Josh Murphy on a loan-to-buy deal but were blocked in landing the England youth international by Cardiff manager Neil Harris – and he would have been a sensational signing.
BBC Sport reported earlier this week that Celtic had a move for Murphy, 24, turned down with Bluebirds boss Harris regarding the former Norwich star as a crucial part of his side – as they look to make a late push for the play-off positions.
Murphy has clocked up 20 appearances for Cardiff, and 50 in all competitions since he swapped east Anglia for Wales in the summer of 2018 – costing Cardiff around £11million (BBC). He has scored just five goals in those 50 matches.
Celtic were after a winger to act as cover after both Lewis Morgan and Scott Sinclair left the club in the January window, joining Inter Miami and Preston North End respectively. Mo Elyounoussi is only just returning to fitness after a long lay-off.
Murphy broke onto the scene along with brother Jacob Murphy at Norwich during 2017-18. He scored 11 goals in 47 games as well as laying seven assists – earning a move to then-Premier League side Cardiff.
But after a difficult spell in the top flight, he has struggled to win his place back and that saw Celtic make a move. The Scottish champions were also linked with a move for Newcastle United star Christian Atsu on deadline day.
Though Celtic are hardly crying out for a winger given their change in formation to three at the back, signing Murphy would have been a real coup for the Scottish side – especially given he moved to the Premier League for an eight-figure fee in 2018.
Technically, Murphy is another example of young English wingers that have burst onto the scene. At the top of his game, he had the potential to be one of the best at his age in terms of English wingers. He need a club to get his career back on track.
Patrick Roberts shone at Celtic on loan from Manchester City, and Murphy can have a similar impact – given the similarities between the two players. A summer move for Murphy should be considered.
