Despite a need for regular playing time after his return from a long-term injury, James McCarthy was refused a loan move away from Everton in January by Marco Silva as the Toffees manager wanted two first-team players in each position.
McCarthy, however, continues to be left of the matchday squad and finds himself behind Idrissa Gueye, Andre Gomes, Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies in the pecking order. He’s been mistreated by his manager and the decision to deny him a move in January was unfair.
The 28-year-old has made 132 appearances in all competitions since joining Everton from Wigan Athletic in 2013, scoring and creating 16 goals. His last appearance for the Blues came against West Bromwich Albion on January 20, 2018.
McCarthy suffered a double leg break in that game and returned 12 months later in January 2019. As his chances of getting back into Everton’s starting eleven were slim, a short-term loan move away would make sense to ensure he’s getting regular playing time. Everton wanted him to stay, however, so that didn’t happen.
McCarthy has sometimes sat on the bench or been left out of the squad entirely and has yet to play a single minute of senior football. He’s wasted half a season thanks to Silva’s decision and should be angry at the Everton manager.
The midfielder’s contract still has over a year to run, so he’ll have a choice to make whether or not to stay this summer.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Everton could miss out transfer-target, major blow for Marco Silva & Marcel Brands