Portsmouth FC’s dynamic left-winger Josh Murphy has become one of the most consistent attacking players in the Championship, transforming his career through determination and resilience. At 30 years old, the English international continues to dazzle fans at Fratton Park with his pace, creativity, and goal contributions.
Josh Murphy’s journey to Portsmouth represents the culmination of a career that has seen remarkable highs and challenging periods, ultimately finding his best form on the south coast. His story is one of perseverance, family bonds, and the pursuit of consistency that has finally been rewarded with individual recognition and team success.
Early Life and Family Background
Joshua Murphy was born on 24 February 1995 in Wembley, London, into a footballing family with diverse cultural roots. His heritage reflects modern British football’s multicultural nature – his father is of Nigerian descent whilst his mother brings Irish heritage to the family. This dual heritage meant Josh was eligible to represent multiple countries at international level, though he chose to pursue his England career through the youth ranks.
Perhaps most significantly, Josh is the twin brother of Jacob Murphy, who currently plays for Newcastle United. The Murphy twins have maintained an extraordinarily close bond throughout their careers, often described as each other’s biggest supporters. Their relationship extends beyond typical sibling rivalry into genuine partnership and mutual encouragement.
The family’s footballing connections run deeper than the famous twins. Josh’s uncle, Tommy Parkin, was a professional footballer who played for Ipswich Town. Their parents established themselves in Norfolk, running the Arbuckles restaurant in Downham Market, where they live with the twins’ younger brother. This family business provided stability whilst the boys pursued their footballing dreams.
An amusing anecdote from their playing days reveals the extent of their similarity – former manager Chris Hughton instructed the twins to wear different coloured boots so that he could distinguish between them on the pitch. This practical solution highlights just how identical the brothers appeared during their formative years at Norwich City.
Youth Career and Norwich City Beginnings
The Murphy twins began their footballing journey together at the tender age of seven, playing local football before catching the attention of Norwich City’s scouts. In 2006, both brothers joined Norwich City’s academy as under-12 players, beginning what would become a long association with the Canaries.
Their progression through Norwich’s youth system was remarkable. On 31 March 2011, it was officially announced that both brothers had joined the club’s academy ahead of the new season. Josh’s talent was evident from an early age, and he played a crucial role in Norwich City’s youth team that won the 2012-13 FA Youth Cup, scoring in the final against Chelsea.
Josh’s first taste of senior football came on 26 September 2012, when he was named as an unused substitute in Norwich’s 1-0 Football League Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers. This moment marked the beginning of his transition from academy prospect to professional footballer. On 4 January 2013, both Josh and Jacob signed their first professional contracts with Norwich City, officially launching their professional careers.
Professional Breakthrough at Norwich City
Josh Murphy’s professional debut arrived on 24 September 2013, in dramatic fashion that would set the tone for his career. Coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute of Norwich’s Football League Cup match against Watford, with his team trailing 2-0, Murphy scored his first professional goal just ten minutes later to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Norwich completed a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 in extra time, giving Murphy the perfect start to his professional journey.
His Premier League debut followed on 2 November 2013, when he came on as a half-time substitute in Norwich’s 7-0 defeat to Manchester City. Despite the heavy defeat, this appearance marked his entry into English football’s top flight. In December 2013, both Murphy brothers signed new three-year contracts with Norwich, demonstrating the club’s faith in their potential.
Murphy’s development continued steadily. His first senior start came in the FA Cup against Fulham, where he set up the first goal before being substituted for his twin brother Jacob. This substitution perfectly symbolised their intertwined careers and mutual support. In 2014, Josh’s progress was recognised when he was awarded Professional of the Year at the West Norfolk Sports Awards, alongside a special achievement award.
Following Norwich City’s relegation to the Championship, Murphy began to establish himself more regularly in the first team. He made his first start of the 2014-15 season against Crawley Town in the League Cup, playing the full 90 minutes and scoring twice in a 3-1 victory. Remarkably, his twin brother Jacob provided the assist for one of Josh’s goals, highlighting their on-field understanding.
Murphy’s first league goal came on 27 September 2014, in a 3-1 victory over Blackpool. However, with first-team opportunities limited, Murphy would soon embark on loan spells that would prove crucial to his development.
Loan Spells and Development
Wigan Athletic (2015)
With his opportunities at Norwich restricted, Murphy joined Championship club Wigan Athletic on a month-long loan deal on 16 March 2015. He made his debut the following day, coming on as a substitute for Jermaine Pennant in a 2-0 defeat to Watford. His performances earned him a loan extension until the end of the season, though he was unable to prevent Wigan’s relegation to League One.
Milton Keynes Dons (2015-16)
Murphy’s most significant loan spell came at Milton Keynes Dons during the 2015-16 season. This move proved transformative for his career, providing him with regular first-team football and the opportunity to develop his game consistently. He made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal on his debut in a 2-1 League Cup victory over Cardiff City.
His first league goal for MK Dons came on 26 September 2015, during a 3-1 home defeat to Derby County. Throughout the season, Murphy established himself as one of the most exciting players in the Championship, combining pace and creativity to devastating effect.
The pinnacle of his loan spell came on 3 May 2016, when Murphy was named Milton Keynes Dons Players’ Player of the Year. This recognition from his teammates demonstrated the impact he had made during his time at Stadium MK. He finished the season having made 46 appearances and scoring 7 goals across all competitions. Significantly, Murphy concluded the campaign as the Dons’ joint top goalscorer whilst also achieving the most assists, showcasing his all-round attacking contribution.
Return to Norwich and Championship Success
Murphy returned to Norwich City for the 2016-17 season with enhanced confidence and experience. He made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring 5 goals. His performances during this period demonstrated the maturity he had gained during his loan spells, and he began to establish himself as a key player for the Canaries.
The 2017-18 season proved to be Murphy’s most productive at Norwich, as he made 39 appearances and scored 9 goals. His consistent performances helped Norwich challenge for promotion, and he had developed into one of the most promising wingers in the Championship.
The £11 Million Move to Cardiff City
Josh Murphy’s performances at Norwich had not gone unnoticed, and in summer 2018, Premier League newcomers Cardiff City made their move. On 12 June 2018, Murphy signed a four-year contract with Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee, widely reported to be around £11 million. This transfer made Murphy Cardiff’s joint-record signing, alongside Gary Medel, who had cost £11 million in 2013.
The move represented a significant step up for Murphy, as Cardiff had just secured promotion to the Premier League. Manager Neil Warnock described Murphy as his “number one target” and flew 14 hours to Malaysia to convince owner Vincent Tan to sanction the deal. Warnock’s faith in Murphy was evident in his comments: “Josh is a player I’ve watched for a number of years now and he’s always excited me when he runs with the ball”.
Murphy made his Cardiff debut on the opening day of the 2018-19 Premier League season, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth. He scored his first Cardiff goal against Burnley, quickly followed by his second in a memorable 4-2 victory over Fulham. These goals demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level and justified Cardiff’s significant investment.
However, Murphy’s time at Cardiff proved challenging. Despite showing glimpses of his quality, he struggled to maintain consistency in the Premier League. Cardiff were relegated at the end of the 2018-19 season, and Murphy found his opportunities increasingly limited under subsequent management. During the 2019-20 Championship season, he made appearances in the play-offs but couldn’t help Cardiff achieve promotion.
By the 2021-22 season, Murphy’s Cardiff career had stalled significantly. He made just 2 appearances across all competitions, leading to a loan move to Preston North End. This temporary switch provided little improvement, as he managed only 12 appearances without scoring.
On 10 June 2022, Cardiff announced that Murphy would leave the club when his contract expired on 30 June. Despite the substantial fee paid for his services, his Cardiff career concluded without achieving the success that both player and club had hoped for.
Resurrection at Oxford United
Following his departure from Cardiff, Murphy joined League One side Oxford United on 26 July 2022, signing a two-year deal. This move marked a fresh start for the winger, dropping down a division but regaining the opportunity for regular first-team football. The decision proved transformative for both player and club.
Initially, Murphy’s Oxford career began slowly. He struggled with injuries during the 2022-23 season, making just 24 appearances without scoring. However, the 2023-24 campaign proved to be a revelation. Under manager Des Buckingham, Murphy rediscovered his best form, scoring his first Oxford goal in a 4-2 victory over Wigan Athletic on 13 February 2024.
The culmination of Murphy’s Oxford journey arrived on 18 May 2024, at Wembley Stadium. In the League One play-off final against Bolton Wanderers, Murphy delivered the performance of his career. He scored both goals in Oxford’s 2-0 victory, securing the club’s return to the Championship after a 25-year absence.
Murphy’s first goal came 14 minutes before half-time, when he “shrugged off Josh Dacres-Cogley’s poor challenge, cut into the area and unleashed a right-footed effort that skimmed off captain Ricardo Santos’ head and over Nathan Baxter’s despairing dive”. His performance was instrumental in one of the most significant moments in Oxford United’s recent history.
This Wembley triumph represented more than just goals; it symbolised Murphy’s personal resurrection. After difficult years at Cardiff, he had rediscovered his love for football and his ability to influence crucial matches. The victory secured Oxford’s promotion and enhanced Murphy’s reputation as a player capable of delivering in pressure situations.
The Portsmouth Chapter
Following Oxford’s promotion success, Murphy attracted interest from several Championship clubs. Portsmouth FC, managed by John Mousinho, emerged as the successful suitors. Significantly, Mousinho had been Murphy’s teammate at Oxford, providing a personal connection that proved crucial in the transfer.
On 25 June 2024, Murphy signed a three-year contract with Portsmouth, including an option for a further one-year extension. The move represented another fresh start, this time with a club returning to the Championship after their own period in the lower leagues.
Murphy’s impact at Portsmouth has been immediate and transformative. During the 2024-25 season, he has established himself as one of the Championship’s most creative players, contributing 7 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances. His performances have been crucial in Portsmouth’s successful fight against relegation, helping secure the club’s Championship status with games to spare.
The transformation in Murphy’s form has been remarkable. After years of inconsistency that he describes as a “stigma” around his career, he has finally achieved the sustained excellence that his talent always promised. Speaking about his improved consistency, Murphy explained: “I know it sounds stupid, but I think the reason is not trying as hard. When you are desperate to impress, desperate to keep your shirt, you probably put a bit more pressure on yourself than what’s needed”.
Record-Breaking Season at Portsmouth
Murphy’s maiden campaign at Portsmouth has been nothing short of exceptional. His 21 goal contributions (7 goals and 14 assists) represent the highest single-season tally of his career. This productivity has earned him widespread recognition, including an unprecedented 12 individual awards during the 2024-25 season.
The honours include Portsmouth Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, and Goal of the Season for his spectacular strike against QPR in February. Murphy’s Goal of the Season was described as a “stunning” curling effort that exemplified his technical ability. He also received Player of the Season awards from numerous supporter groups across the globe, including branches in Canada, Scandinavia, and the Armed Forces.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho’s faith in Murphy has been completely vindicated. Speaking about the signing, Mousinho said: “Josh brings a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience for starters. He was one of the outstanding players in League One during the second half of last season, which culminated in that Wembley brace to take Oxford up”.
Murphy’s statistics during the 2024-25 season are particularly impressive when viewed in context. His 14 assists place him among the Championship’s most creative players, whilst his 7 goals demonstrate his ability to contribute defensively. He has created the most big chances in the Championship whilst playing for a team that struggled early in the season.
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International Career
Murphy’s international career, whilst limited to youth levels, showcased his potential from an early age. He received his first England call-up at U18 level in October 2012, making his debut in a 1-0 victory over Finland U19 on 13 November 2012.
His progression continued with England U19, where he made 11 appearances between 2012 and 2014, scoring once. His goal came in a 4-1 victory over Hungary U19 on 14 November 2013. Despite his talent, Murphy never progressed beyond U20 level with England, making 3 appearances and scoring once on his debut against Romania U20 on 5 September 2014.
Murphy’s eligibility for multiple countries through his heritage meant he had options beyond England. His Nigerian paternal heritage and Irish maternal heritage provided alternative pathways, though he remained committed to England throughout his youth career. His twin brother Jacob has similarly represented England at youth levels, and there have been suggestions that both brothers could explore other international options given their mixed heritage.
Personal Life and Character
Beyond football, Murphy’s character has been shaped by his close family relationships and diverse cultural background. His relationship with twin brother Jacob remains central to his life, with both players frequently speaking about their mutual support and shared experiences. Their bond extends beyond football, with both brothers maintaining homes in the Norfolk area where their family is based.
Murphy’s parents continue to operate the Arbuckles restaurant in Downham Market, providing a stable family base. This connection to Norfolk and the family business keeps Murphy grounded despite his professional success. The presence of his younger brother in the family home adds another dimension to the close-knit Murphy family unit.
His personality has been described as humble and determined, characteristics that have served him well during challenging periods of his career. Speaking about his approach to football, Murphy has emphasised the importance of mental resilience: “I can get stopped 10 times, and all I need is that one moment. Once I know that, it doesn’t matter how many times I get stopped”.
Murphy’s transformation at Portsmouth has been as much mental as physical. He credits his improved consistency to reduced pressure and increased confidence: “Being settled here brings the best out of me. I am settled here, the family love it down here, I have a manager who believes in me and backs me”.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Murphy’s professional career spans over a decade, during which he has accumulated impressive statistics across multiple levels of English football. His 366 total appearances have yielded 56 goals and 54 assists, representing 110 goal contributions throughout his career. These figures demonstrate his consistent attacking threat across different clubs and competitions.
His peak transfer value was achieved in 2018 when Cardiff City paid £11 million for his services. Current estimates value Murphy at approximately €1.1 million, reflecting both his age and reduced transfer market activity. However, his performances at Portsmouth suggest his value extends far beyond monetary considerations.
Murphy’s individual honours tell the story of a player who has consistently impressed teammates and supporters. His Milton Keynes Dons Players’ Player of the Year award in 2016 was followed by numerous accolades at Portsmouth during 2024-25. These achievements span different levels of football, demonstrating his ability to excel across various competitive environments.
The geographical scope of his supporter recognition at Portsmouth is particularly noteworthy. Receiving Player of the Season awards from international fan groups in Canada, Scandinavia, and other locations highlights his global appeal and the international nature of Portsmouth’s fanbase.
Playing Style and Technical Analysis
Murphy’s playing style combines traditional wing play with modern attacking versatility. Primarily deployed as a left-winger, he possesses the pace and dribbling ability to beat defenders consistently. His crossing accuracy and creativity make him a constant threat from wide positions, whilst his goal-scoring ability adds another dimension to his attacking play.
Statistical analysis of his 2024-25 season reveals impressive metrics across multiple categories. His 1.13 crosses into the penalty area per 90 minutes place him in the top 1% of Championship players. This crossing ability, combined with his 52 chances created during the season, demonstrates his creative influence.
Murphy’s versatility allows him to operate across multiple positions. Whilst primarily a left-winger, he has successfully played on the right wing and as an attacking midfielder. This positional flexibility has proven valuable throughout his career, allowing different managers to utilise his skills in various tactical systems.
His preferred right foot sometimes surprises observers given his primary role on the left wing, but this combination allows him to cut inside effectively and create shooting opportunities. His technical ability with both feet provides additional unpredictability for opposing defenders.
Future Prospects and Legacy
At 30 years old, Murphy has reached the peak of his career whilst maintaining contract security until 2027 with Portsmouth. His current form suggests that his best years may still be ahead of him, particularly given his recent comments about continued improvement: “I believe I can still get better, I believe I can get more goals and assists”.
Murphy’s commitment to Portsmouth appears absolute, with his comments about stability and happiness suggesting a long-term future at Fratton Park. His statement that “this place is pretty special” reflects genuine affection for the club and its supporters. This emotional connection, combined with contractual security, provides the foundation for continued success.
The impact of Murphy’s transformation extends beyond individual achievement. His consistency has provided Portsmouth with a reliable attacking threat that proved crucial in their Championship survival. As the club builds for future seasons, Murphy’s experience and current form position him as a key figure in their long-term plans.
Murphy’s story also serves as inspiration for players experiencing career difficulties. His ability to rediscover his best form after challenging periods at Cardiff demonstrates the importance of mental resilience and finding the right environment. His honesty about previous inconsistencies and current improvement provides valuable insights into professional football’s psychological demands.
