Leeds United supporters would be forgiven for assuming that Luke Murphy’s Elland Road career is over.
With Luke Murphy’s most recent appearance for Leeds coming back when the Whites travelled to face Luton in the League Cup back in August 2016, no United fan would be blamed for believing that his Elland Road career is as good as over despite remaining on the club’s books.
Clearly not proving to be Garry Monk’s cup of tea, the former Crewe ace joined Burton Albion on loan in January 2017, and returned to the Pirelli Stadium for the entire season when Thomas Christiansen came to a similar conclusion during the summer.
The Brewers appear to be heading for relegation this term, but based on his most recent performance, perhaps it may not be out of the question to suggest that the 28-year-old’s Leeds career may have some life left in it.
Murphy was superb in the surprise 3-1 win over Derby County – his first start since March – setting up Burton’s first before putting them back in front with a stunning solo goal after David Nugent had equalised for the visitors.
Murphy’s loan spell has not been an overwhelming success. But perhaps he has just about done enough, especially with the display against Derby County – which has come at a time of the campaign when Paul Heckingbottom will have one eye on the summer – to earn another chance in pre-season.
Apart from Adam Forshaw, none of Leeds’ current holding midfielders go into pre-season off the back of an impressive spell. Ronaldo Vieira is a huge talent but has not managed to replicate last year’s form, Kalvin Phillips has tailed off significantly in recent months and Eunan O’Kane’s performances have gone a similar way.
With that in mind, Murphy – whose deal expires in 2019, according to transfermarkt – perhaps has the slightest chance to earn the opportunity to write a new chapter on his Leeds career that few supporters would have ever expected him to get.
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