Everton have received a huge boost ahead of the new season with the news that James McCarthy has signed a new five-year contract.
Roberto Martinez paid his former club Wigan Athletic £13million for the midfielder in the summer of 2013, following the £28million departure of Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United. The Republic of Ireland international has gone on to become a key member of the Toffees starting XI, and has now featured 76 times in all competitions with three goals to his name.
Everton were keen to tie McCarthy to a new deal and began discussions earlier this summer, but as the two parties struggled to reach an agreement, Tottenham Hotspur were linked with making a bid for his signature. However, with the new season just days away, fans of the Goodison Park outfit will be thrilled to learn that the 24-year-old has now pledged his future to the club.
“I’m buzzing and delighted to be committing my future long-term to Everton,” the Glasgow-born player told the official club website. “This is a brilliant club with a brilliant fanbase and what we want to try to do is bring some success here and push forward. The gaffer is trying to build a team and a squad for the long-term and I’m excited to be a part of that and to be a part of this team.”
In terms of transfers it has thus far been a quiet summer for the Toffees, who have taken Tom Cleverley from Manchester United on a free transfer and their former loan star Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona for £4.2million. Martinez’s side will look to get off to a winning start to the new season on Saturday afternoon, when promoted Watford provide the opposition on Merseyside.
