According to Football Insider, Jamie Murphy is set to leave Rangers on a permanent deal in January. The winger has been unable to make regular appearances under Steven Gerrard’s regime. While his destination is unknown, the Glaswegian club are willing to listen to offers for him.
If a permanent deal is not agreed, the 30-year-old could still leave Ibrox on a loan deal. Having only made two substitute appearances this season, there doesn’t seem to be any future for Murphy at Rangers (Football Insider). A departure from the club seems like the best deal for everyone involved.
Do you think Jamie Murphy should leave Rangers?
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TIF Tactics – Why would Murphy’s departure be such a good thing?
Murphy, who is valued at £900k (as per Transfermarkt), hasn’t started for Gerrard in over 16 months. It is clear that the manager doesn’t see the player as a vital part of his team. He has consistently chosen to give younger players, like Sheyi Ojo and Brandon Barker, opportunities to impress from wide areas this season. And despite these players struggling to make any serious statement for a starting position, and being on loan from other clubs, Gerrard still turns to them ahead of his veteran.
Another thing to consider is the imminent return of Jordan Jones. After picking up a knee injury against Celtic earlier in the season, Jones will be looking to make a return to the first team, and to stake a claim on a starting spot. Murphy’s favoured position, on the left, has been pretty much locked down by Ryan Kent. Whichever way you look at it, there are at least two players in each position on the wings that will get a game ahead of Murphy.
If any more proof was needed that Murphy doesn’t cut it for Gerrard, the English manager has started playing midfielder Joe Aribo in a wingers position (WhoScored.com). If nobody else was available, Gerrard may even be convinced to put the boots back on himself to play in the position ahead of Murphy.