The news that Celtic are in discussions to snap up free agent James McCarthy has certainly united many Hoops supporters.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon stated yesterday that the Hoops were in talks about making a move for the former Crystal Palace midfielder. That was then backed up by a Daily Mail report from Stephen McGowan.
McCarthy has over 270 Premier League outings to his name as well as 42 international caps with Republic of Ireland [Transfermarkt]. In terms of experience, he’s exactly what Celtic need to replace the hole left by Scott Brown’s departure.
Celtic yesterday announced the release of midfielder Olivier Ntcham too. That means there’s another gap in the engine room needing plugged. And it looks as though Celtic could turn to McCarthy to do just that.
Never one to shy away from the fact Celtic are his boyhood heroes, the player has been consistently linked with the Hoops over the last several years. But with him now looking for a club, it could become a lot more affordable.
Celtic need fresh legs at centre-mid, James McCarthy ticks plenty of boxes
There will be undoubted question marks about McCarthy’s injury record. However, he still managed 18 appearances for Palace last season and was fit for the vast majority of the campaign [Transfermarkt].
Given his tenacity in the middle of the park, we can’t turn down that kind of talent. Not making a move because of potential injury concerns would be counter-productive. We would be kicking ourselves if he goes somewhere else and makes himself a success.
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McCarthy to Celtic just feels right at this particular moment in time. He’s only 30, meaning he still has several years to give at the top level.
As much as we have plenty of young legs in the midfield, we lack a bit of experience and know-how. McCarthy could offer that in abundance given what he’s been through in England.
And many Celtic fans see this for exactly what it is, a potential bargain buy. Here’s a look at some of the reaction to the news on Twitter:
I think McCarthy could offer us something. Hopefully we get a right, left back, centre half and goalkeeper THIS WEEK. Lol. Like that’ll happen. I think the board need to pull something HUGE out of the bag her.
— MacColla 🏴🇮🇪🍀 (@MacCrolla1) August 1, 2021
Going on yesterdays performance he is the type of player we need, a tough tackling no nonense midfielder. His injury record isn’t great but might be worth a punt! Cahill is another one i think we lack experienced heads at the back and he could do a turn!
— angie campbell (@angie647) August 1, 2021
I’d be happy with that. We’re lacking in that position and he’s less risk than signing another prospect. Be option to have that’s for sure.
— Jock (@Jocksbhoys) August 1, 2021