Celtic are in an interesting phase at the moment. They are completely out of Europe and only have domestic competitions left to focus. In those areas, they are in good positions. Ange Postecoglou’s side are at the top of the Premiership table, leading the Rangers by four points. They have also sealed their spot in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals, where they will take on Kilmarnock.
One of the biggest factors in this season is going to be the World Cup break though. That much inaction in the middle of the campaign will break up the momentum that the club had built up and they will have to start from scratch once again, when the campaign resumes.
Also, there is the matter of the January transfer window, which is expected to be busier this time around than it normally. Celtic are expected to do some business as well, with Postecoglou hinting at potential exits recently.
One player who does not seem to have much of a role in Postecoglou’s plans at the moment is James McCarthy. And he has been tipped to leave the club, either on a permanent basis or on loan in January. As reported by Football Insider, Alan Hutton said:
"“I think they will be open to both.“I think if they can get some money in through the door to then reinvest it somewhere else I think they would rather that option.“There is no getting away from the fact that he is a really great football player. He has struggled with injuries over the years.“I was surprised at the contract they actually gave him. It was a long-term deal at the time with somebody who had not really been able to stay fit. It was a bit of a strange one.“When he has played we have seen in flashes what he is capable of but it has not been on that consistent level. I think if offers do come in they will definitely listen to them.“"
Celtic player has been tipped to leave in January after failing to nail down his spot in Postecoglou’s team
According to stats from Transfermarkt, McCarthy has made just 5 appearances this season and played 62 minutes of football.
It is safe to say that he would be looking to play much more regularly but it feels unlikely that he will be receiving that anytime soon unless an injury crisis ends up hitting Celtic.
Thus, McCarthy leaving the club might be the best step for all parties involved. The problem for the Hoops might be his contract though. The player is believed to be receiving handsome wages and was signed on a four year deal when he arrived last summer.