In a recent interview to Football Insider, ex-Rangers defender Alan Hutton has claimed that Newcastle United attacker Jacob Murphy would be a good signing for Steven Gerrard’s side. The player was first linked to the Ibrox club by the Daily Record last week when they reported that the Englishman was at the top of Gerrard’s wish-list for the summer transfer window. It further said that the gaffer was looking to bring him in as a possible replacement to some of their fringe attackers like Brandon Barker, Jamie Murphy, Jordan Jones and Greg Stewart.
Although the report has clarified that Rangers are interested in Newcastle United’s Jacob Murphy, whether or not the Magpies are willing to let their man leave is a whole other question altogether. Speaking on the matter, Alan Hutton told Football Insider, “He played a lot in the Championship last year. He’s got a lot of experience, he’s quick, he can take players on. He went for a lot of money, £12m is a big sum so I think Rangers could get someone of that ilk, it would be a good signing and he would definitely threaten the squad.”
What Makes Jacob Murphy A Good Option For Rangers?
Since the start of the current season, there have been various indicators which point to the fact that the Ibrox club are a bit stretched when it comes to the wide areas. Although Ianis Hagi has been utilised there, it’s important to understand that the Romanian is most effective when playing in a number ten role.
This leaves Ryan Kent as the only top quality winger in Steven Gerrard’s side, and for a team that’s expected to be competitive in Europe as well, lack of depth could turn out to be their Achilles heel.
The likes of Barker and Stewart have been thrown on at instances, and it’s safe to say that they are yet to show anything that warrants a regular first-team place. With Celtic seemingly getting back to where they left off, it will be necessary for Gerrard’s side to maintain the temporary advantage they currently hold. Adding some firepower in the wide areas will probably have to be the first they do from here on in, and Newcastle man Jacob Murphy could be the ideal option for them.
Murphy spent last season on loan at Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, and he finished the season having picked up a commendable return of nine goals and six assists. Although the speedster didn’t start all of those ties, there’s no denying the impact that he had operating down the flank. A willing runner in possession, the Englishman is still only 25-years-old and would benefit significantly from the opportunity to play regularly in the Scottish top-flight. The former Norwich City academy graduate tends to be a mazy dribbler, and his direct approach to the game would likely complement Gerrard’s attack-minded system at the Ibrox.
Rangers Are Interested In Newcastle United’s Jacob Murphy: Should Gerrard Sign Him?
Irrespective of whether or not they sign Murphy, one thing that can be said with certainty is that if they go into the season without the purchase of a new winger, things are going to eventually go south. Expecting the likes of Hagi and Kent to deliver every time they take to the pitch is asking for trouble, and none of the recent signings they have made are capable of operating down the wide areas either. Jacob Murphy showed during his spell in Sheffield last season that he has got what it takes to deliver the goods at a high level. With the Ibrox club now searching for a dynamic winger, this would seem like a match made in heaven for Gerrard’s team.
