Celtic are reportedly open to offers for duo James McCarthy and Liam Scales. The pair arrived in Ange Postecoglou’s first transfer window but have not kicked a ball this season for the Scottish Champions.
According to a report from Sky Sports, the pair are expected to be moved on as Ange continues to shape the squad.
Celtic fan growing up McCarthy was seen as a decent option on a free transfer, especially given Scott Brown had departed. The 32-year-old joined Celtic on the same day as Joe Hart and provided experience to the group amidst the overhaul architected by Ange. It was clear, however, from the off that he was a stop-gap signing and not someone that was likely to cope with the manager’s intense playing style. The former Ireland Internationalist made 22 appearances in his first season but is yet to make an appearance this season.
McCarthy still has two years remaining at Celtic, you would imagine that the final year of that is an option. A transfer or loan with the option to buy may be the correct course for the player and club as it would open up his wages while allowing him to play regular football.
Scales, meanwhile, has been impressive for Aberdeen this season. The Dons look set to seal European group stage football and Scales has helped the upturn of form under Barry Robson. His goal against Rangers endeared him to both Aberdeen and Celtic fans but it is likely that he will move away from the club this summer.
Scales was signed from Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 2021 and it was a deal that left many scratching their heads as it could only mean that he was coming in as defensive cover at centre-half. However, a deal was done to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers with it appearing that the Irishman would deputise to Greg Taylor on Celtic’s left side.
Aberdeen have already stated that they would have liked to make the deal for Scales a permanent one but that the Scottish Champions were unwilling to agree a deal to make the move to Pittodrie anything other than a loan deal. Performances up north may encourage them to make a permanent switch or it will at least have put the player in the shop window.
McCarthy has five appearances THIS SEASON.