According to a recent interview conducted by Football Insider, ex-Premier League defender Alan Hutton has tipped out-of-favour Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy to be a good signing for Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side. The former Aston Villa man claimed that the speedster’s days as a member of the Tyneside club’s books are numbered and that the recent acquisition of Ryan Fraser from Bournemouth could come as the final nail in the coffin. He further states that Murphy has the quality required to come in and have an immediate impact at the Ibrox.
Although the report has clarified that Hutton tips Jacob Murphy to be a great signing for Rangers, whether or not the Magpies are willing to sanction the transfer remains to be seen. Speaking on the matter, Hutton said, “Rangers would be in contact and they would know exactly what was going on with the Fraser situation so if they’re still looking to bring in a winger, I think it’s the perfect time to go and contact Newcastle. It would look like his days are numbered with the players coming in. Maybe Gerrard’s thinking he can help him along the way, I think it would be a good signing, he would add to the squad.”
What Would Jacob Murphy Bring To This Rangers Side?
The Englishman was originally a product of the Norwich City youth system but has been a Newcastle United player since the summer of 2017. Despite arriving at the Tyneside club as a potential name for the future, it must be conceded that Murphy has struggled to raise his profile at St. James’ Park.
Although the speedster appeared regularly for the Magpies during his first season at the club, he wasn’t able to replicate the same kind of form in the next campaign. The former Blackpool loanee has since spent two short-term stints at Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion. (Transfermarkt)
Despite having been at Tyneside for more than three full seasons now, Murphy has only featured in 41 appearances across all competitions. His return of one goal and three assists during that time must be classed as extremely underwhelming as well. The last season at Sheffield Wednesday though showed the Englishman in a completely new light. Not only did he end up as a regular starter for the Championship club, but he also contributed at important times with nine goals and six assists along the way. A dynamic winger by trade, Murphy isn’t afraid to take his man on in any situation, while he tends to be a good finisher in the box as well.
What Is Rangers’ Current Situation In The Wide Areas?
The summer acquisition of Romanian attacker Ianis Hagi has yielded positive results for Gerrard’s men so far, but it’s still worth considering that he is an attacking-midfielder by trade. This is where Murphy’s talents could be useful to the Ibrox club, especially with the tightly-packed schedule they find themselves in. Ryan Kent has been the one irreplaceable winger in Gerrard’s squad, while the alternate names like Brandon Barker, Jordan Jones and Jamie Murphy are all yet to really impress. Murphy would add some much-needed depth to the wide areas, while also offering a much more experienced presence than some of the aforementioned names.
Hutton Tips Jacob Murphy To Be A Great Signing For Rangers: Should Gerrard Sign Him?
Rangers have started the 20/21 campaign in blistering style, with the Glasgow side yet to lose a game from their first six outings in the league so far. For all the good attacking play that they’ve produced, it must be conceded that a majority of the credit for this must fall onto the shoulders of the defenders.
The addition of Murphy in the wide areas could be the boost that Steven Gerrard’s side need in the final third, as there have been various instances where Rangers have struggled to break opposition defences down. Murphy’s time at Wednesday last season was a clear indicator of what he is all about, and still only 25, he could be a top signing for the Gers if they’re able to get it over the line this summer.
