As October rolls on, it appears James McCarthy has left Celtic over the summer, but what’s baffling is the complete silence from the club regarding his exit. While other players, even those with minimal contributions, often get a short goodbye message on social media, McCarthy seems to have quietly disappeared from the squad with no acknowledgement at all.

McCarthy, a boyhood Celtic fan, signed in 2021 during a period of squad rebuilding under Ange Postecoglou. His arrival, though welcomed at the time, never materialised into the success many had hoped for. Hampered by injuries, McCarthy made just 27 appearances in two seasons. By last season, it was clear he wasn’t in Brendan Rodgers’ plans either. He was often seen training in the gym alone, far removed from the first-team sessions.

Despite the difficulties, McCarthy’s exit feels odd without the usual social media send-off. Normally, Celtic gives departing players a brief farewell post, but in McCarthy’s case, there has been nothing. Whether this points to a quiet, mutual agreement to part ways or simply an oversight by the club, the lack of any public gratitude leaves a gap in how his departure has been handled.

Though McCarthy’s time at Celtic didn’t provide the on-pitch impact expected, his signing came from a genuine desire to contribute to the club he supported growing up. It’s a strange end for a Celtic fan whose dream move didn’t pan out and one that raises questions about why the club has chosen not to acknowledge his exit.

It was a strange signing from the perspective that Celtic brought in a manager who wanted to play high-octane, relentless football. James was never really that player, and given his injury history, it would never be a match. The player hasn’t popped up anywhere else to this point, no retirement and no new club, it’s a strange one.