Crystal Palace owners have proven once again that they are the most patient club owners in the Premier League! It’s still surprising to see them keep their belief in Alan Pardew despite the woeful results under the Englishman. After backing Pardew in the transfer market with pretty much all they had, there is no real outcome and even if there is, it has hardly been on a consistent basis.
After a five-game losing streak, Crystal Palace stunned everyone with a 3-0 win against mighty Southampton last week but don’t be too surprised if you see losing against Hull City this weekend, keeping in mind the Jekyll and Hyde nature.
While the Eagles have been struggling for form in the Premier League, a busy winter transfer window is expected at Selhurst Park. According to The Daily Star, Crystal Palace and Celtic are going to battle it out in the race to sign James McCarthy from Everton in January. Both were hot on the tail of the Irish midfielder in summer too but the Toffees held firm onto the former Wigan ace but might not be able to do that in January.
The central midfielder has found playing time hard to come by during this campaign under Ronald Koeman thanks to a combination of injury setbacks and the signing of Idrissa Gueye. Even though the Toffees have struggled to perform as a unit of late, Koeman has hardly turned towards the 26-year-old which is a surprise considering his quality.
A regular for Ireland and an experienced Premier League campaigner despite the young age of just 26, he could have been the solution to Everton’s woes but one’s pain is another’s gain! Crystal Palace must use this opportunity to lure the midfielder to Selhurst Park.
McCarthy is a midfielder who has pretty much everything you demand from a box to box midfielder. He was a vital component in the way Roberto Martinez set up his team at both Wigan and Everton.
With the focus on attack, it was upon McCarthy to do the dirty work in the midfield. Blessed with a solid concentration and an ability to win the ball, McCarthy could easily fix Crystal Palace’s defensive woes.
McCarthy’s qualities are pretty well-known to any Premier League follower but signing him makes sense from another point of view too. James McArthur has been one of the standout players for Palace this season and he used to be a partner of McCarthy at Wigan under Martinez.
The duo reuniting could prove to be a turnaround in Crystal Palace’s fortunes. They have regular Premier League football to offer the Scottish-born Irish midfielder and that should be enough to make the 26-year-old snub Celtic for the South London club.
