Winger Murphy leaves Oxford to join Portsmouth

Josh Murphy was Oxford United's promotion hero in May but has opted to move on

Portsmouth have completed the signing of out-of-contract winger Josh Murphy after he turned down a new deal at Oxford United.

Murphy, 29, has signed a three-year contract at Fratton Park, with a club option of a further 12 months.

He scored both goals to clinch promotion for Oxford when they beat Bolton 2-0 in the League One play-off final at Wembley in May.

But he is set to play in the Championship for Pompey, who went up as champions.

Murphy played in the Championship and Premier League for both Norwich City and Cardiff City, who he joined from the Canaries in 2018.

He signed for Oxford in 2022, making 62 appearances for the U's and scoring 10 goals.

"Josh brings a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience," Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told the club website.

"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.

"Josh can get the fans excited with the way he plays, so we’re absolutely delighted to get the deal done."

Pompey need Murphy to deliver - analysis

BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator Andy Moon

Murphy has had a few suitors this summer. Portsmouth were never going to have the finances to blow the rest out of the water but were hoping head coach John Mousinho’s relationship with Murphy from his time at Oxford would help them sign him.

Murphy was a key man in Oxford’s promotion run-in but has blown hot and cold in his career.

Norwich loanee Abu Kamara was a revelation for Pompey last season on the wing. They’ll need Murphy to play up to his undoubted ability to ensure Kamara isn’t missed this season.