Celtic have made a lot of very good signings since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager and that is one of the biggest reasons why they managed to find so much success last season. But every move has not been a success, as one would expect. One such transfer is the one that the club pulled off for James McCarthy.
Celtic had been linked with a move for McCarthy for years but he had remained in the Premier League. But last summer, when he became a free agent, the opportunity opened up for him to make the move to Parkhead.
On top of his game, McCarthy was a brilliant player and while he had struggled with injuries in recent years, many people were hoping that he would be able to rediscover his old form in a Celtic shirt.
It is quite safe to say that that has not happened, and instead, he has been reduced to the occasional cameo off the bench these days. Frank McAvennie has even questioned his fitness, as the former Celtic star told Football Insider:
"“I do not know what has happened to McCarthy, he is just lost now.“Why they bought McCarthy I do not know. I thought he was going to come in and be the holding player in midfield. I liked him I thought he was a great player.“Now, he does not look fit when he comes on. He obviously is not match fit. I do not know if the manager has sat down with him and told him there is a space there and he needs to step up.”"
Former Celtic star slams midfielder and questions his fitness
It is pretty clear that McCarthy’s signing has not worked out for Celtic, as he has spent the majority of his time on the bench or out of the matchday squad altogether.
Even when he has come on, he has not made any significant contributions, except for a few good moments.
Overall, it would be safe to say that it was a mistake on the part of Celtic to sign McCarthy. The even bigger mistake though, was handing him a four-year deal. Now, it remains to be seen how long he will remain at Parkhead.
In the summer, the club completed another free transfer, this time for Aaron Mooy, and he has filled in the role that McCarthy was expected to play, quite well.