James McCarthy (Image credit: Google)
According to Daily Mail, Aston Villa are lining up a move for Crystal Palace star James McCarthy ahead of the new season.
McCarthy, 29, came through the youth ranks of Celtic and Hamilton Academical before joining Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009. After making 133 appearances in four seasons with the Latics, he was signed by Everton. He was a crucial member of the squad but since the 2017/18 season, the Scotsman has struggled with injuries. He was sold to Crystal Palace last summer.
This season, he managed to make 33 league appearances after returning from injury. He has also made 40 appearances for Scotland so far and has immense experience at club level in English football. Thus, Villa should take him on board this season and bolster their squad.
At the moment, Villa have five central midfielders in their ranks. Marvelous Nakamba is the only defensive midfielder available at the manager’s disposal. Douglas Luiz, Conor Hourihane, Henri Lansbury and John McGinn are the four attack-minded midfielders.
However, during the 2019/20 campaign, Villa lacked experience in the middle of the park during their battle for survival. And bringing in a midfielder with McCarthy’s experience would certainly benefit them.
Moreover, Brazilian Luiz has been linked with a move away from the club and if that happens, Villa’s numbers in midfield would be limited. Thus, they need to bring in a central midfielder in the summer.
And signing McCarthy would be a wise decision by the club. The former Scottish international has made over 400 career appearances and his experience could come in handy for the manager. He may not have played enough in the last two campaigns but he was a key figure for the Eagles this term.
His inclusion would definitely bring healthy competition within the squad, whilst also adding some much-needed depth. McCarthy is capable of operating from a deeper role as well as in an advanced position. And his presence could be crucial for Villa next season.
At 29, McCarthy has a few more years left to play at a high level. At the same time, Villa need to bolster their midfield if they are to perform with consistency next season. The former Wigan Man’s experience would definitely help them in various ways.
