Why Newcastle should avoid a move for James McCarthy
According to 90Min (h/t Brighton and Hove Independent), Newcastle United are weighing up an offer to sign James McCarthy from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in the January window.
It has been claimed that Magpies boss Steve Bruce is a big fan of the Republic of Ireland international and has even tried to sign him in the past. Newcastle are likely to face stiff competition, though, with Sheffield United, West Brom, Burnley, as well as Scottish giants Celtic, also understood to be vying for the midfielder’s signature. (90min h/t B&H Independent)
As per the report, Palace are expected to listen to offers for McCarthy, whose contract at Selhurst Park is due to expire at the end of the season. The 30-year-old joined the Eagles from Everton back in 2019 and went on to feature 33 times in the Premier League during his first season in south-east London.
However, the former Hamilton Academical graduate has struggled for playtime in the ongoing campaign. McCarthy has been limited to just 4 starts in the Premier League for Palace so far, finding himself down the pecking order under Roy Hodgson.
Putting things into context, Newcastle would dodge a bullet by resisting the temptation to snap up James McCarthy for a knockdown price in the winter market. The door remains open for the Magpies to lure the Irishman to Tyneside, given his unresolved contract scenario at Palace. But he’s not someone that Newcastle need at the moment.
It’s true that the Magpies should weigh up potential additions to their squad in the January window to push for a top-ten finish in the Premier League.
Newcastle roped in Jeff Hendrick on a free transfer from Burnley in the summer to bolster their midfield cavalry. The Irishman has made a positive impact so far while the likes of Sean Longstaff, Matty Longstaff, Jonjoe Shelvey and Isaac Hayden have all done a decent job.
With five players already competing for places in the middle, the Magpies don’t really need more depth in that department.
McCarthy would still offer value for money on a cut-price deal, given his vast experience in the Premier League. But he has looked like a shadow of his former influential self after returning from a hellish streak of long-term injuries at Everton.
Now 30, there are plenty of doubts over whether he is still capable of playing at a high level in the Premier League week in week out.
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Verdict
With so many pressing concerns at both ends of the pitch, Newcastle don’t really need to invest in a struggling player like James McCarthy. Bruce already has an excellent blend of youth and experience in his midfield, thus making a gamble on the Irishman a rather unnecessary piece of business in the market.
