---
title: "Celtic: James McCarthy ‘looking to move’"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-james-mccarthy-matt-oriley-transfer-gossip-news-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-08-03T11:10:53Z"
modified: "2022-08-03T11:10:53Z"
---

# Celtic: James McCarthy ‘looking to move’

**[Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) midfielder James McCarthy is ‘looking to move’ in this transfer window, according to reputable journalist [Fraser Fletcher](https://twitter.com/FrazFletcher/status/1554393475562471424).**

### The lowdown: Faltering start

[Signed](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-mccarthy/transfers/spieler/45333) as a free agent following the expiry of a contract at Crystal Palace in 2021, McCarthy arrived at Parkhead as a vastly experienced operator having already amassed [439 senior career outings](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-mccarthy/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/45333) including spells at Hamilton, Everton and Wigan.

However, things haven’t gone to plan for the 31-year-old Glasgow-born Republic of Ireland international after he picked up an injury during pre-season last term and was [plagued by issues](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/james-mccarthys-celtic-squad-absence-explained-by-ange-postecoglou-3423978) in his early time with the Hoops, struggling to break into Ange Postecoglou’s immediate plans as a result.

Now, it appears as though the veteran defensive midfielder is already considering his options and a move away from the Scottish champions could be on the horizon…

### The latest: ‘I’m told’

Taking to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/FrazFletcher/status/1554393475562471424), Fletcher has claimed that McCarthy has been left ‘disappointed’ by his time under Ange and is ‘looking to move’ this summer.

He stated: “James McCarthy is looking to move after a difficult time at Celtic. I’m told the 31 year old is disappointed with how things have gone and seeking a new challenge for the season . Interest is there and some offers being prepared. McCarthy has contract until 2025 in Glasgow.”

### The verdict: One in one out?

Seemingly [still in the market](https://www.givemesport.com/88037515-celtic-postecoglou-still-interested-in-exciting-midfielder-at-parkhead) for further midfield reinforcements despite the [capture](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11787/12654686/celtic-aaron-mooy-and-moritz-jenz-join-scottish-premiership-champions) of Aaron Mooy and with Matt O’Riley staying put, opportunities for McCarthy could be limited once again in the 2022/23 campaign.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”389441″\]

Last season, the [42-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-mccarthy/nationalmannschaft/spieler/45333/verein_id/3509) tough tackling stalwart – who was hailed by teammate David Turnbull for a [‘brilliant’](https://news.stv.tv/sport/postecoglou-praises-mccarthy-after-2-1-win-over-aberdeen?top) display in the 2-1 win over Aberdeen in November 2021 – made just [22 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-mccarthy/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/45333/verein/371) across all competitions for the Bhoys, completing 90 minutes on only three occasions.

Having been omitted from the [match-day squad](https://www.sofascore.com/aberdeen-celtic/cXsfX) for the opening day Scottish Premiership victory against Aberdeen, the future of the [£1.44million valued](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-mccarthy/marktwertverlauf/spieler/45333) ace appears to be more uncertain than ever and an exit from Celtic Park could be the best option for all parties.