Rangers have completed the signing of Jamie Murphy from Brighton & Hove Albion on an initial loan deal until the end of the season. The move has the potential to be a £1.7million permanent transfer in the summer. The Gers had shown their interest to sign Murphy for quite some time and the quality of their ranks now has certainly increased to a considerable extent after the materialization of the move.
The Gers haven’t had a stupendous season so far and the ineptness from their former manager, Pedro Caixinha, had a part to play in their inability to derive favouring results. The club is currently under the stewardship of Graeme Murty, who has been able to rock the cradle in a bit decent fashion. At this stroke of the hour, Rangers are placed at the 3rd spot in the league table with 40 points from 22 games so far.
Their latest outing ended in a goalless stalemate against their arch-rivals, Celtic, who are running away with the Scottish Premiership title, and frankly speaking, the Light Blues must have been encouraged even with a draw. However, the January transfer window would be crucial for them to make further progress in the league table and signing Murphy is a bright step towards the beefing up their arsenal.
Murphy emerged through the youth ranks of Clyde and Motherwell and then went on to represent the senior side of Motherwell, Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion and thus, it goes without saying that he is someone who has volumes of experience under his belt. The 28-year-old was one of the pivotal players to aid the Seagulls to earn a promotion to the Premier League from the Championship last season.
However, he wasn’t given much of game time by Chris Hughton in the English top division, speaking statistically, he was handed merely one start and he certainly was looking for a club wherein his chances to play regularly was possible. Murphy is a boyhood Rangers fan, and this move probably looks like a dream come true for the winger.
He keeps possession in check, makes galloping runs forward, is adequately versatile and crosses the ball well into the box. Besides, he finds the back of the net occasionally as well. With a move to the Ibrox Stadium, Murphy should be able to render his know-how to the Rangers side and he is undoubtedly a player who will be able to bring some desire in the dressing room.
