James McCarthy has had a tough one year or so after suffering a double leg break in January in a match against West Brom. The Republic of Ireland international, 28, fractured the tibia and fibula in his right leg and has been out ever since. The good news is that he has started training and looks to make a comeback to the football pitch (h/t Sky Sports).
Under Marco Silva, Everton have changed their playing style. Due to a congested midfield, the road to recovery and regular game time looks a far cry for the 28-year-old tackling midfielder. Gone are the days when McCarthy was ever present in the Everton midfield alongside Gareth Barry. With the summer arrivals of Andre Gomes and emergence of youngsters like Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies, it would be better for the player to move on in search of regular game time – either on loan or permanently.
There are a lot of potential suitors for the player in the Premier League but according to Sky Sports, the Irishman could join Darren Moore’s side for the rest of the season. Championship high-fliers West Bromwich Albion are interested in having him on loan for the rest of the season.
McCarthy would really be a valuable addition for any of the clubs apart from the top six. Although it’s not his fault that he is not featuring in the Everton midfield, getting some game time after such a long break from injury would boost his confidence. And West Brom will provide him with an opportunity to do just that.
Moore is likely to face a fight for McCarthy’s signature, however, with Fulham and West Ham United also in the running for him (h/t Sky Sports). West Ham have a bit of history with the player after he delivered a nasty tackle to their star player Dmitri Payet in a match between the two teams during 2016/17 season.
But since then, it looks like that Hammers have changed their stance on the incident and are looking for his services in the midfield.
It remains to be seen as to what the future has in store for the player but at present, getting regular game time is important. Given his work rate and strong physical presence in the midfield, he could be a difference-maker for West Brom, who are looking to make a comeback to the Premier League.
A loan deal can be helpful for the player and if he can get back to business, the Evertonians should be open to welcoming him with arms out wide.
