Back in May, the Sun had claimed that Crystal Palace were interested in signing Cardiff City winger Josh Murphy. However, a move didn’t materialise as the player wanted to stay put at Cardiff despite the club’s relegation from the top-flight.
Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds put up a good fight in their bid for Premier League survival, but they joined Fulham and Huddersfield Town in relegation. Josh Murphy, 24, was one of Cardiff’s better players last season, featuring 29 times in the top-flight – contributing with three goals and two assists.
The jet-heeled winger has started the Championship campaign well by bagging a goal and two assists in six games. While it is difficult to see Murphy leave in January, Crystal Palace must test Cardiff’s resolve with an audacious bid in January.
Palace did the best bit of business in the summer by keeping hold of Wilfried Zaha amidst Everton and Arsenal links. Zaha has undoubtedly been the Eagles’ best player for the last few seasons and feels the time is right for him to leave for a Champions League playing club.
The Ivory Coast international has come a long way off the disastrous move to Manchester United and while Roy Hodgson and co. were able to hold onto him, the 26-year-old’s future clearly looks away from Selhurst Park.
Whether Zaha manages to seal a switch to a bigger club in January remains to be seen, but Hodgson needs to start planning for life after the Ivorian.
With that in mind, Palace could look at Josh Murphy as a potential Zaha replacement. The Wembley-born star showed his quality in patches in the top-flight last season but we have to all agree he was playing in a really mediocre Cardiff side.
With better quality players, there’s no doubt the 24-year-old would excel in the Premier League.
Murphy likes to play little one-twos and is blessed with the sheer pace that makes him a menace for the defenders on the counter.
He is not afraid to take on defenders and backs himself to beat them. The former Norwich City ace is one of the fastest players in the Championship and can make some dangerous runs in the opposition half.
The 24-year-old does not shy away from playing a decisive pass in the final third and helps his team defensively as well. However, Murphy needs to add more end-product to his game if he wants to unlock his true potential.
Therefore, Hodgson should try his best to bring Murphy to south London as he has the talent and potential to help Palace achieve a top-half finish this season.
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