Sunderland have been linked with another potential summer signing.
Despite not knowing who their next manager is, Sunderland and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman appear to be making plans for the summer, with Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle already on their radar.
And with the managerial appointment included, it’s going to be a huge summer at the Stadium of Light.
The Sunderland owners and hierarchy have some work to do in regaining the trust of fans after what’s been a very mixed 2023/24 season.
Mike Dodds and his side are finishing strong and host Millwall on Saturday, with a win able to lift them into the top half.
And someone who may have an eye on Sunderland’ result this weekend is Josh Murphy.
Josh Murphy career so far amid Sunderland links
Twin brothers with Newcastle United man Jacob Murphy, Josh began his career with Norwich City.
The 29-year-old made 100 total appearances for the Canaries and spent time out on loan with the likes of Wigan Athletic and MK Dons before joining Cardiff City in 2018.
The winger made another 99 appearances for Cardiff, then joining Oxford United ahead of last season.
But it’s this season, or rather this year that has seen the wide player find form; he’s scored six and assisted four in 26 League One outings this season, with four of his goals coming since the start of March.
Recent reports revealed that Sunderland are one of the teams keen on Murphy, who’s been described as a ‘wonderful’ player by Oxford United boss Des Buckingham.
Josh Murphy current contract and wages at Oxford United
Murphy is out of contract with Oxford United in the summer.
The U’s are battling for the 6th place spot in League One this season and currently sit in 6th, despite a 1-0 defeat vs Lincoln City last time out.
As per SalarySport, Murphy is the fifth-highest earning player at the Kassam Stadium, bringing in £5,100-a-week.
And per the same source, that current wage puts him well down the pecking order at Sunderland, even below the likes of Eliezer Mayenda on £5,300-a-week.
Josh Murphy profile
- Full name: Josh Murphy
- Age: 29
- Height: 1.73 m (5ft 8in)
- Nationality: English
- Date of birth: February 24th 1995
- Place of birth: Wembley, England
- Position: Left winger
- Club: Oxford United
Josh Murphy to Sunderland analysis
The first thing that seems to stand out here is the age; 29 years old appears to be well over the age of players that Sunderland want.
But the club did sign the likes of Bradley Dack last summer, and they’ve also paid for a distinct lack of experience at times this season, so there’s a sense that Speakman and Sunderland may look at players of Murphy’s ilk this season.
And the left-wing position could be one that needs bolstering with quality, with Jack Clarke looking nailed on to leave.
Murphy is certainly a tried and tested name in the Football League. But on the face of it, it feels like it could be quite an underwhelming signing for Sunderland.
He didn’t score a single goal in League One last season, and whilst he’s found form in the last few weeks, there’ll surely be question marks over whether he can step up to the Championship and provide for Sunderland next season.
On a free transfer, it could be a good squad booster for the Black Cats who certainly need to add some experience and depth in the summer.
So on that front, a free move for Murphy could be useful.
Though on the whole it doesn’t seem like a top quality signing for the Sunderland, who return to action vs Millwall this weekend.