Some Celtic fans have reacted negatively to the club’s links with Cardiff City winger Jacob Murphy ahead of the summer transfer window.
Football Insider recently reported that the Parkhead-based outfit failed to sign Murphy in January and will look to make a move for him once again in the summer. The report goes on to state that while the club was looking to make a loan move last month, they want to do a permanent deal in the off-season.
Is Murphy better than any Celtic winger currently?
Not a chance
Yes, he is
Hoops-related Twitter page CelticBible relayed this news recently, and many Celtic fans reacted negatively.
46 appearances for Cardiff and only 4 goals…. wouldn’t take the guy for free
— connor ?? (@hctelfih) February 8, 2020
The fact hes a left sided winger says volumes about pir desire to pay the money for Moi
— UntilTheLastRebel (@JCOHalloran) February 8, 2020
I watch the english lower leagues every week and I’ve no idea who this guy is, usually the good ones stick in your mind.
— Chris Canney (@canney_chris) February 8, 2020
Not for me
— David Neilson (@neilsondavid60) February 9, 2020
Will the plot involve paying money quickly and getting the player to sign the contract?
— Michael Daley (@trophybhoy) February 8, 2020
Haha no
— ????????? (@EtienneBojan) February 8, 2020
Murphy is currently only 24 and is valued at £9 million by Transfermarkt. A former Norwich City player, Murphy has made a total of 22 appearances in all competitions this season. He has racked up as many as four goals for Cardiff, picking up three assists, as well.
He was in the Premier League with the Bluebirds last season. He made 30 appearances in all competitions that year, scoring three goals and picking up two assists on the way.
What do we think?
Murphy’s numbers show that he isn’t the most prolific goalscorer or assister, though he may be able to add depth to the Celtic side.
He has completed one dribble per game in the Championship this season, coming up with 0.9 key passes for the club. It shows that he wouldn’t arrive at Celtic Park as the best of dribblers (judging by where he’d rank in the same metric compared with Celtic’s Europa League performances), though he could fulfil the role of a back-up option in the Premiership. His chase could suggest that Celtic may not make fellow winger Mohamed Elyounoussi’s move permanent in the summer.