This was a strange signing for me.
In many ways, it was a necessary signing at the time when James McCarthy signed for Celtic.
With Scott Brown’s departure leaving a gaping hole and the team losing a raft of first-team stars at the start of last season, the signing of McCarthy did seem like sensible business.
Coming with a wealth of EPL and international experience, McCarthy was expected to take up the role that was left vacant by legendary former captain, Scott Brown.
But it simply hasn’t worked out for the Irishman.
With just 22 appearances for the club last season, many from the bench, it became clear rather quickly that the experienced midfielder was not going to Ange’s long-term answer to Celtic’s defensive midfielder question.
And now, it seems, the 31-year-old is set to move on.
Journalist Fraser Fletcher tweeted today that McCarthy is unhappy with his time at Paradise so far and is looking to make a summer exit to reignite his career:
🚨 James McCarthy is looking to move after a difficult time at Celtic.
Im told the 31 year old is dissapointed with how things have gone and seeking a new challenge for the season . Interest is there and some offers being prepared.
McCarthy has contract until 2025 in Glasgow 🟢 pic.twitter.com/SVTNaLxbzl
— Fraser (Fletcher) Gillan (@FrazFletcher) August 2, 2022
With no clubs mentioned by name, it remains to be seen what kind of offers will be tabled for him.
Will Celtic look for cash or will we just be happy to let him go to free up the wages that McCarthy will be on?
However this move happens, it does seem best for the player and the club to have a mutual parting of the ways.
On paper, this move looked good but in reality, it just hasn’t worked out.
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