By Tom Prosser
The most important piece of business Cardiff City could do on deadline day was to keep hold of Kieffer Moore- despite some late interest from Wolves the star striker remains a Bluebird but the same can not be said of Josh Murphy who has joined Preston on loan.
Murphy has failed to produce consistent performances since joining Cardiff in 2018 and with him being on “Premier League” wages, it was no surprise to see him leave the club.
But, with no replacement Mick McCarthy’s side are now lacking depth in this area.
With fellow attacking midfielders, Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo, Jonny Williams and Junior Hoilett all departing the Cardiff City Stadium this summer, it seems that much of the creative burden will now be left to new signing Ryan Giles.
I know he is inconsistent,but josh Murphy has 1 thing that watching @CardiffCityFC this season ,they havent got- Pace. City are so slow at times or its hoof ball so him & Giles provide something different. Shame to see him go but needs a manager to get the best out of him.
— W.T. (@WezTucker) September 1, 2021
Murphy will be reunited at Preston with Frankie McAvoy after working with him at Norwich prior to joining Cardiff.
“Frankie was a big factor in the move,” explained Murphy.
“Going back to our Norwich days he really helped me in my early development so it was a no brainer coming to Preston and having the chance to work with him again.
McAvoy added: “I obviously know Josh well having had him at Norwich City.
“He’s a very dynamic player, he’s got explosive pace and can play in wide areas or through the middle which he did at Cardiff last season and we’re just delighted to get the deal done.”
Huge mistake from Cardiff City to let Josh Murphy go when there’s no replacement on the table.
When Josh gets a run of games, he can easily be one of the best players in the squad. Also, one of the only players with pace and flair.
Squads starting to look paper thin..#CCFC https://t.co/cLeKYRoRKP
— Ben Thomas (@Benfthomas_10) August 31, 2021
This transfer window will be mainly remembered by Cardiff fans for its outgoings rather than incomings.
Only, Mark McGuinness, Ryan Giles, James Collins and Ryan Wintle (who has since joined Blackpool on loan) have joined the club.
Whilst, Sol Bamba, Joe Bennett, Junior Hoilett, Robert Glatzel, Joe Day, Jonny Williams, Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo, Jordi Osei-Tutu, Max Watters, Gavin Whyte and Josh Murphy have all left the club for one reason or another.
Cardiff will be hoping their academy graduates such as Joel Bagan, Rubin Colwill, Isaak Davies, George Ratcliffe and Kieron Evans will help to fill that gap.
But whilst Cardiff may now be in a more sensible position off the field, the question remains-will they have enough depth to cope with the demands of the Championship?
