Celtic midfielder James McCarthy is reportedly weighing up his future ahead of a potential summer exit this window.
The 31-year-old arrived at Parkhead last summer as part of Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic transformation, with 12 new additions joining the club.
Despite picking up plenty of English Premier League experience, there were question marks over the move for the Irishman, who has had a disappointing injury record in recent years.
More concerning questions arose when it was announced that McCarthy had signed a four-year deal that would see him remain at the club until at least 2025.
With the Hoops desperate need for players last summer, supporters put their doubts to one side and were willing to give the former Crystal Palace and Everton man a chance to show his worth under Postecoglou.
However, McCarthy failed to make an impact, making 22 appearances and the majority of those coming off the bench late on in games.
The departure of Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic this summer may have provided the Ireland internationalist with an opening to the squad.
But, the arrival of Aaron Mooy has sent McCarthy further down the pecking order, and he wasn’t even part of the squad for the Bhoys’ opening day victory over Aberdeen.
According to a report from Sun Sport, the midfielder is now considering his future at Parkhead, with unnamed clubs from England emerging as potential options this summer.
Celtic exit the best move for James McCarthy after falling down midfield pecking order.
As Celtic supporters, we all love to see boyhood fans go on and succeed in the green and white Hoops.
Although McCarthy was part of a double-winning side last season, it is fair to say his time with the club hasn’t really worked out.
The midfielder has failed to make an impact within Ange Postecoglou’s squad, and now January/summer arrivals have seen him fall further down the pecking order.
The best move for all parties at this stage is to move on, and it sounds like McCarthy agrees with that statement as he considers his future at the club.
A loan move south of the border may be the Irishman’s best chance at moving on this summer, with unnamed sides potentially lining up a move across the next few weeks.
In other news, Beauty of rare Celtic luxury perfectly illustrated by rivals’ defeat in Belgium tonight.
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