Should James McCarthy Jump Ship?

Jun 11, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy (6) controls the ball in front of Spain forward Pedro (11) during the first half of a friendly match at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Amidst all the transfer hubbub, there are always one or two stories that just seem like they’re taking their sweet time to happen.

Others catch your attention because they’re just too outrageous – like Gareth Bale’s supposed summer transfer to Manchester United – while some are merely battles of conscience between cash-rich clubs and players who want regular game-time and a hunt for silverware; it’s a collision of footballing loyalty and seemingly inevitable glory. But it’s hard to know sometimes which will win out.

But right now, that’s exactly where James McCarthy, along with a few other Everton stars, appear to be. They’re stuck mulling over a series of uncertainties.

Decide to stay put and help Roberto Martinez regain some of the credibility he won so deservedly last season, or abandon ship and set sail for more luxurious lands – that appears to be the dilemma facing the Republic of Ireland international at present.

There’s no doubt he’s a wonderful player with so much to offer, and it’s not as if his club’s dip in performance can be linked solely back to him, especially as he’s been nursing a hamstring strain for some time. The problems the Toffees currently face are far too numerous for any one to be considered the root of all woe.

More from Prince Rupert's Tower

The truth is that McCarthy is a midfielder who can become a true Merseyside legend given time. But much like his cross-town competitor Steven Gerrard, it’s not too incredible to suggest that a potential future of consistent disappointment is currently on the cards, at least domestically.

At a time where one of the city’s biggest sporting heroes is to retire from England’s top-flight without a Premier League medal to his name, it’s not unfair to suggest that the tide, the money and the finances are not on Everton’s side right now. In truth, it’s difficult to see The “School Of Science” lifting the league trophy any time in the next five to 10 seasons; they need a sustained period of good fortune and wealth before they can be considered title threats.

And with that goes McCarthy’s personal hopes – as it’s likely he harbours them – of becoming a champion in England’s top tier.

Could the offer of European satisfaction, in either the Europa or Champions League, be enough to sate his appetite in the absence of one of the most sought-after trophies in world football? Maybe. But only if his love for the club continues to be as strong as it’s been up until now.

With so many stories speculating on the future of lots of Everton’s current squad, all it might take for a mass, domino-style departure would be the sale of even one of their most prized possessions.

Clearly, fans of The Blues would dearly love to see Kevin Mirallas, McCarthy and Seamus Coelman – among others – stay to fight for the prestige of the club, but at the end of the day, it’s likely going to come down to two things; money and a battle of principles. And depending on the individual, the outcome could swing either way. And with Manchester United and Arsenal both after the Glaswegian’s signature, according to the Daily Star, it’s likely to come very close to tempting the Everton man.

If there’s one transfer move that wouldn’t make sense for the 24-year-old to make, however it’s to switch allegiances for Tottenham Hotspur. As reported by the Daily Mail, The Lilywhites have shown interest in bringing him on board. However, it seems unlikely he’d join them, because at the end of the day, they’re on a similar level to them right now.

January promises to be a nervy month for Bill Kenwright, Martinez and all the fans, particularly with a shambolic record of four losses in a row currently tarnishing their reputation and with a big clash against Manchester City to come. If they can hold on to their big assets past the January window and prove themselves worthy of a push for some silverware and a restoration of pride, they might see themselves onto greener pastures.

Do you think McCarthy will stay at Everton?

Home/Transfer Rumors