Warnock bags his ‘No.1 target’ Josh as Cardiff stepupPremier preparations
CARDIFF City yesterday confirmed the signing of Josh Murphy from Norwich City, with boss Neil Warnock revealing the gifted winger was his ‘No.1 target.’
The wideman becomes the Bluebirds’ first signing for the summer, signing a four-year deal with Neil Warnock’s men for an undisclosed fee.
It has been reported that Cardiff would have to pay a fee of £11m to secure the services of Murphy, and it is understood that the eight-figure sum previously reported is accurate.
The 23-year-old had loan spells with Wigan Athletic and MK Dons and made 47 appearances in all competitions for the Carrow Road outfit last term, scoring 11 goals.
He made nine Premier League appearances for the Canaries during the 2013-14 campaign, the same season in which the Bluebirds made their debut in the division.
Murphy traditionally operates on the left wing, although he can also play on the right flank or as a secondary striker.
Speaking to iFollow Cardiff City, Warnock said: “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.
“I think he’s at the right age now with his best still to come.
“He can play an instrumental part in helping us to stay in the Premier League and I know he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“He’s been my number-one target since the end of last season.”
Murphy joined Norwich’s academy as a schoolboy and made his first team debut for the Canaries in 2013. And the 23-year-old feels he couldn’t be joining the Bluebirds at a better time.
“I’m buzzing to be here [at Cardiff City FC] and in the Premier League,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with these boys week-in and week-out and hopefully doing something special. I’ve a lot of time now to get used to the boys, so this is the perfect time to come here.
“The city is beautiful, nice and chilled and the people seem really lovely.
“This is an exciting time and a great place to be.”
City fans who made the trip to watch the Bluebirds against Norwich at Carrow Road back in September 2016 will remember Murphy’s 90th-minute effort that secured the Canaries the points on that day.
Indeed, the youngster bagged a couple against City during his time on loan at MK Dons and, although he remembers those strikes well, is now firmly looking to the future.
“I’ve scored a couple against Cardiff, yeah, but now it’s all about scoring goals for us,” Murphy reflected.
“I can’t wait get going and hopefully hit the ground running.
“The manager [Neil Warnock] has been absolutely brilliant, especially