Scottish giants Rangers pulled off one of the best deals of the January transfer window after they managed to lure Jamie Murphy to the Ibrox Stadium on loan from Premier League outfit, Brighton & Hove Albion. Murphy was one of the instrumental figures for the Seagulls last season.
The veteran winger showcased his attacking prowess on a regular basis and helped Brighton & Hove Albion reach the top flight. Surprisingly, Chris Hughton gave him very limited opportunities during the first half of the season which facilitated his exit from the Amex Stadium. In one of his recent interviews with the Daily Record, Murphy has stated his intention of making a permanent switch to Rangers.
Murphy has been a Rangers supporter since his childhood and is determined to stay in the Scottish top flight instead of returning to England. It is believed that both the clubs have agreed to formalise his move in the summer. His love for the club is evident and he has made a notable impact with the Gers, having scored 3 goals in 10 games and has also registered 3 assists to his name.
The 28-year-old emerged through the youth ranks of Clyde and Motherwell and was eventually promoted to the senior side of the latter team. After making around 200 appearances for the Steelmen, he was signed by Sheffield United before Brighton & Hove Albion made him sign on the dotted line in the summer of 2015.
Rangers lacked the attacking bite in the final third during the first half of the season and Murphy has been able to add that after his loan move. Has a decent burst of pace and can hold the ball well. His crossing is fairly good as well.
Murphy is a good passer of the ball and the way he has settled at Rangers means he deserves the credit. The most notable thing is his link-up play with the fullbacks. Graeme Murty would need experienced campaigners to mount a serious challenge for bagging domestic glories next season and the former Scotland Under21 international should fit the bill.
Finding first-team football under Hughton next season will be hard to come by for Murphy and thus, his prospective permanent move in the summer should be a favourable one for all the parties involved.
