Sports broadcaster Stephen Doyle appeared on a recent edition of Off The Ball’s OTB AM to discuss the latest football transfer news and during the show, the broadcaster spent some time talking about the possibility of Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy joining Leeds United.
Leeds are set to compete in the Premier League next season for the first time since their relegation back in 2004 and recent reports have been linking them, as well as Newcastle United, West Ham United and Aston Villa, with a move for Palace midfielder McCarthy.
90min has published a report claiming that the Whites, as well as the other three aforementioned Premier League clubs, have ‘spoken to Palace about McCarthy with a view to making a move for him.’ This article states that Leeds ‘consider him the perfect player to add some Premier League experience’ to their squad following their promotion from the Championship.
Doyle shared his thoughts on this potential transfer during his recent appearance on OTB AM, saying: “If I’m James McCarthy, I want to go play for Marcelo Bielsa, absolutely. I know Leeds might be struggling next season and it depends on who they sign and what money they have there to sign players, but just the draw of playing for one of the most highly rated coaches in world football, a man who’s highly regarded by Pep Guardiola and [Jurgen] Klopp and the whole lot of them.
“I think that would be fascinating for a player of James McCarthy’s abilities and I think he would suit a Bielsa team.”
Would James McCarthy suit a Marcelo Bielsa team?
YES
NO
TIF Thoughts…
According to WhoScored, McCarthy earned an average overall rating of just 6.42 from his 33 appearances in England’s top-flight last season, making him Palace’s 18th-highest rated player in the Premier League. With that in mind, it may be fair to say that the 29-year-old didn’t enjoy a particularly impressive 2019/20 season and his name may not be one that excites Leeds United fans.
However, McCarthy has played in the Premier League for each of the last 11 seasons and knowing that the Whites are set to compete in England’s top-flight for the first time since 2004 next season, perhaps £3.6m-rated McCarthy’s experience would make him a valuable addition to Leeds’ squad for the 2020/21 campaign.