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James McCarthy Airbrushed from Celtic as Frozen-Out Midfielder Suffers Latest Sign Hoops Career is Over

James McCarthy’s tenure at Celtic appears to be reaching an unceremonious end as the midfielder’s profile has been removed from the club’s official website, signaling yet another indication that his career with the Hoops is effectively over.

The 32-year-old former Everton and Crystal Palace player was handed a four-year contract by then-manager Ange Postecoglou in 2021, a decision that now seems like a significant misjudgment. McCarthy’s last appearance for the first team came nearly two years ago in October 2022, and his prospects have only dimmed further since then. Despite a change in management with Brendan Rodgers’ return to the club last summer, McCarthy has not been able to reclaim his place in the senior squad.

The exclusion from the first team continued into the 2023/24 season, relegating McCarthy to play only with the B team in the Lowland League. His situation has not improved over the summer, and the midfielder remains on the fringes as the new season kicks off. Celtic’s willingness to offload McCarthy is evident, as the club seems open to any potential deal that could see him depart Parkhead.

The most recent and perhaps most definitive sign that McCarthy’s time at Celtic is coming to a close is his absence from the club’s official website. The squad list has been updated to include new signings like Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo, and Paulo Bernardo, but McCarthy’s name is conspicuously missing. Previously, fans could find McCarthy’s profile under the URL format used for all active players (e.g., celticfc.com/players/kyogo-furuhashi would lead to Kyogo’s profile). Now, attempting to access McCarthy’s page leads to an error message, erasing his presence from the team’s digital footprint.

This digital erasure underscores the stark reality of McCarthy’s situation at Celtic. Despite the high hopes and significant investment in him, McCarthy has struggled to make an impact at the club. Injuries and form issues have plagued his time in Glasgow, preventing him from becoming the influential player Celtic envisioned when they secured his services.

McCarthy’s removal from the website is a clear message that he is no longer in the club’s plans. For a player once lauded for his performances in the Premier League, this represents a dramatic fall from grace. His career at Celtic, marked by lengthy spells on the sidelines and limited contributions on the pitch, is now seemingly at an end.

Brendan Rodgers, known for his pragmatic approach, has evidently decided that McCarthy does not fit into his vision for the team. The focus now appears to be on integrating new talent and ensuring the squad is equipped to compete on multiple fronts, both domestically and in Europe. McCarthy, it seems, is a casualty of this strategic overhaul.

For McCarthy, the immediate future remains uncertain. With his contract still running, a resolution that suits both parties will be sought. Whether that comes in the form of a transfer, a loan deal, or a mutual termination of his contract, it is clear that McCarthy will need to find a new club if he hopes to resurrect his playing career.

In summary, James McCarthy’s removal from Celtic’s official website serves as a stark indication that his time at the club is over. Despite the optimism surrounding his initial signing, his tenure has been marred by injuries and a lack of form, leaving him sidelined from the first team. As Celtic moves forward with new signings and a fresh vision under Brendan Rodgers, McCarthy’s future will likely lie away from Parkhead, as he seeks the next chapter in his footballing career.