Multitude of reports including Daily Mirror has stated that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Norwich City winger Jacob Murphy despite strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. If you haven’t heard of the 21-year-old then get ready to hear a lot of his name in years to come, particularly if he does make a move to England’s top flight.
Murphy has been with the Canaries since 2006 yet his career path has been quite patchy with series of loan spells at Blackpool, Southend United, Swindon Town and most lately, Coventry City. His final lap in the loan course is where he made most of his name, as the quick-feet attacker racked up 9 goals in 40 appearances. A commendable run of form that opened doors for him to return to Norwich’s senior squad. And the decision is proving to be a masterstroke as he has bagged 6 goals and 5 assists in 20 matches. It’s a solid return though as the Canaries are sitting at the 9th position in the Championship. Apart from that, he has been called up to the England U18s, U19 and U20s too.
Being one of the club’s core players, chances for him to leave are pretty slim and looks like the red half of Merseyside have hit the sweet spot as they are looking to buy the winger and then loan him back to Norwich. A similar strategy was utilised when they secured the services of Divock Origi and Marko Grujic.
Jurgen Klopp will be without his star winger Sadio Mane for approximately a month as the former Southampton man has joined Senegal for the African Cup of Nations and tying a deal which could benefit only next season seems to be surreal.
Filling Mane’s void seems to be the toughest task for the German as the winger have made his hefty summer fee to look like a bargain, scoring 9 goals and contributing 4 assists so far. Besides that, the attacking options looks extra thin as both Daniel Sturridge and Phillippe Coutinho are sidelined with injuries too. Adhering the actual need of an instant game-charger, Liverpool have also been linked with more engaging names like Christian Pulisic, Quincy Promes, Gabriel Barbosa and Jese Rodriguez.
Murphy isn’t a glamour signing yet perhaps a more modest one who has immense potential to turn into the likes of the aforementioned stars. Besides, Liverpool could just pluck from their own depths if they are sourcing for potential.
If Spurs are to miss out on the winger, it won’t be a big deal too. Similar to Liverpool, the north London club would address the gulf in class between Murphy and their current options. Mauricio Pochettino’s men are scoring for fun once again and they too have a healthy blend of attacking talents within their squad.
