Many questioned the signing of Celtic midfielder James McCarthy in the summer, and it turns out they were right to do so.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived at Parkhead with a hellish injury record and having barely had a run of games with Crystal Palace in the 2020/21 campaign. And as it turns out, McCarthy has indeed struggled to make an impact after failing to show the pace and quality required to be a part of our first-team.
If this was a 1-year or even a 2-year contract, Celtic fans would’ve understood the risk better. But instead, we’re sitting with McCarthy tied to Parkhead on a 4-year contract. Come the summer, it’s not as if anyone is going to spend some money to buy him permanently.
At the same time, it’s absolutely crystal clear that McCarthy doesn’t have a future in this Celtic team as it stands. Ange Postecoglou has Yosuke Ideguchi ready to step up in the summer. McCarthy’s first-team chances will only be even worse next season.
That’s why Celtic need to do all they can to try and shift James on temporarily in the summer. A season-long loan, whether that be down south or to another Scottish Premiership club, is a must.
Not only would it allow McCarthy to get a season of games under his belt, it would allow Celtic to get rid of some of his wages. All of a sudden the 4-year contract wouldn’t look as poor if we manage to shift some of his pay-packet elsewhere for a year.
James McCarthy has no future at Celtic as things stand – a year away is a must
It’s not as if we could just tear McCarthy’s contract up. We would owe him plenty of we tried that. This is the situation the club has put itself in by giving him such a long-term deal.
It’s easy to say that he could step up in pre-season and show his worth. But he’s had 20 appearances for the club this term and hasn’t looked capable of doing a job for us in many of them [Transfermarkt]. He isn’t going to suddenly spring into life in the summer and make a big impact. Ange will know that too.
Getting him out for a year would suit all parties. It’s the only way for us to give him an opportunity to get himself back to top form. He needs to be playing on a constant basis and that’s not something we can guarantee him. If he goes out, manages to rejuvenate himself, and returns a more confident player, then there will maybe be an opportunity there for him with 2 years left on his contract.
But keeping him this summer and beyond makes little sense. There’s absolutely no reason for us to want this whatsoever.
And the same goes for he player himself. McCarthy can’t have enjoyed his first year in Glasgow. He must be looking for a change. Another year sitting on the bench does nothing for his career at 31 years of age.
Loan deals aren’t just for youngsters. McCarthy was a signing that looked unusual at the time. And the time is now right for both parties to split. Temporarily at least.
In other news, Daizen Maeda explains why he didn’t join Celtic in the summer
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