Everton midfielder James McCarthy has completed a permanent transfer to Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee, the club have confirmed.
The Republic of Ireland international had entered the final year of his contract at Goodison Park, but leaves after six seasons in Royal Blue as Marco Silva deemed the midfielder surplus to requirements.
His departure is believed to have seen Palace pay £3million, despite reports prior to his move suggesting a figure in the region of £8million had been agreed for the 41-cap man, who made one appearance last season.
McCarthy’s Blues career had stagnated following a double leg break in 2018, although his game time was already on the decline following an injury ravished 2016/17 campaign, which saw the 28-year-old sidelined with groin and hamstring injuries.
The 5 ft 9 defensive midfielder last featured regularly for the club in the 2015/16 term, when he made 29 Premier League appearances with consistent outings in the starting line-up under Roberto Martinez.
Everton fans have been reacting in their droves to the club’s confirmation of McCarthy’s departure, with many wishing the 2013 FA Cup winner well with his future endeavours.
Others have reflected on how his move to Selhurst Park could impact our advances for Palace star Wilfried Zaha, given reports have suggested McCarthy was included in our improved offer.
Here’s how these fans reacted to the Republic of Ireland international’s £3million exit…
Sad to see him leave. Was a great player for us before his incredibly unlucky injuries. Still think he would have done a job for us if given a chance by Silva. But that’s football I suppose. Hope he gets on really well with Palace. Good luck Jimmy Mc!
— Stanley Rojack (@StanleyRojack) August 8, 2019
Mistake. It’s a shame the way MS has threated him after this decades best tackle for the club. We should have kept and played him as the only low one in midfield.
— PJ Veamann (@PJVeamann) August 8, 2019
This makes me sad ☹️ good luck & thanks for everything ????
— Vivienne Carr (@Vivihen) August 7, 2019
Best of luck James! So unlucky with injury, he was a warrior when he played, I’m sure he’ll do well for Palace. Just not on Saturday!
Palace, hurry up and send Wilf up will yer?!
— Andy Forsyth (@Andy_Forsyth) August 8, 2019
Why we doing business with them when they won’t do business with us?
— David Clifton (@DavidClifton89) August 7, 2019
Disappointed from an Evertonian perspective though hope @JMcCarthy_16 keeps going from strength to strength ????
— Jim Fallon ArmyFD (@jimvfallon) August 7, 2019
Good luck Jimmy Mac and thanks for never giving less than 100% effort. I hope your palace career is amazing, with effect 11 Aug 19 and not a moment sooner #EFC #COYB #CPFC #Eagles
— Big T (@Big_T_71) August 7, 2019
If zaha doesn’t come now u look like smucks
— FreeZaha (@gbamin2) August 7, 2019
Gutted to see McCarthy go! One of my most favourite players in a blue shirt. Always gave 110% and lead by example during every game he played in. Good luck at Crystal Palace James ????
— Phil Boynton (@PBOYO100) August 7, 2019
Liked McCarthy but that leg break slowed his career down. Good luck to him down at Palace, if he stays fit I’m sure he will be a good player for them!
— Aide Dews (@AidyDews) August 7, 2019
Good Luck James at @CPFC . First season with us you were outstanding and but for injuries, who knows how things would have worked out. You earned our respect with your work ethic. Hope you can kick start your career at Palace @JMcCarthy_16
— Trevor Edwards (@blackrodblue) August 8, 2019
Good luck James.
Just grab Zaha whilst you’re there Marcel
— Lee (@Evertxnian) August 7, 2019
Wish you luck James. Always a favorite player of mine. Injuries suck and your have stuck to it despite them. Hope to see you get back on the pitch and play to the best of your abilities at Palace
— KingofHearts???????? (@smilin_brockoli) August 7, 2019