James McCarthy has endured a torrid time at Celtic. The midfielder has played a grand total of 27 games in two years at the club. James was signed by Ange Postecoglou (although that is perhaps debatable) back in 2021.
Although he didn’t cost anything to sign his wages won’t be low. He’s most likely on a salary of around £20,000 a week. That’s a fortune for someone who is basically a non-playing squad player.
James has the talent that is not in question, but his track record with injury is horrendous. It makes it all the more baffling he was given a four year contract. In fact in retrospect that was an incredibly bad decision taken by Celtic during a time when they were getting mist things bang on in their transfer business.
Even in the games James played he didn’t really make his mark. I’m struggling to remember a game he had any influence in.
Ahead of the game at Kilmarnock, the Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, discussed James McCarthy’s situation at the club, as reported by Glasgow Times. “I feel real shame for James, because growing up he was obviously a Celtic supporter. I saw him a lot down in the Premier League and he was a fantastic talent there both with Wigan and Everton.
“Sadly for James, a few injuries and a few niggles have curtailed his time here, so he will be looking to move on. But he’s a great guy. He trained really well with the group when I first came in here and I’ve had a couple of really good conversations with him, but he’ll be looking to move on.
“I think there has been interest, and I know that his agent has been talking to the club to see if we can find a compromise for him.”
His signing was a big mistake, an expensive one at that. It’s best for all parties if James leaves the club he supports and looks for a fresh challenge where he can at least play games before it’s time to hang up his boots.
Celtic of course won’t be expecting a rush of offers to come through the door for him, but some sort of comprise should be reached for James to cut ties with the club. It will benefit Celtic massively to have his salary off the wage bill. It would make way for a new player to join the squad. One who would contribute more. It’s harsh on James McCarthy who is a decent lad, but it’s the truth. His time at Celtic is up.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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