OPINION
Newcastle United should end their reported pursuit of Everton central midfielder James McCarthy as he would be too great a risk.
According to TEAMtalk, Rafa Benitez is keen on bringing McCarthy to St. James’ Park in the summer transfer window ahead of the new Premier League season.
However, the 28-year old would be too big a risk for the Magpies to take going into next season, and the 41 cap Republic of Ireland man will be way short of match-fitness after recovering from a serious injury which kept him on the sidelines at Goodison Park for 350 days. (Source: Transfermrkt)
The midfielder is under contract with the Toffees until next summer, so the Magpies would have to shell out for McCarthy if they were serious in their pursuit to bring him to St. James’ Park this summer, which could be a risky gamble.
Benitez should no doubt focus elsewhere in his hunt to bring extra competition in the form of midfielders to the club, and should be persuading the board to put their money into a younger, more appealing option.
Although there is no doubting the Everton man’s ability, and his renowned hard-working ethic on the pitch, his fitness and injury record should be a serious red flag for any club looking to sign him, and play him at the top level.
McCarthy has missed 105 games through injury since his arrival at Goodison Park in 2013, which equated to just over two and a half seasons on the sidelines throughout his Everton career.
At 28-years of age, and with an injury record as horrific as he has, it may be worth veering away from the midfielder going into the new Premier League season, and reduce the risk of the club wasting their money this summer.
