Hamilton Academical midfielder James McArthur is poised to join his old pal James McCarthy at the Wigan after the two sides agreed a fee for the 22-year-old.
McArthur was due in town today to undergo a medical ahead of his move to Wigan after ‘protracted negotations’ finally came to a figure that both clubs were happy with for the transfer of the Glasgow born midfielder.
Hamilton chairman commented in a brief statement on the club’s official website: “After protracted negotiations we have agreed to transfer James McArthur to Wigan Athletic F.C. subject to the player passing a medical at Wigan tomorrow.”
He continued: “The transfer of James comes exactly one year after James McCarthy moved to Wigan and I am confident that ‘Auld’ James will be just as successful in England.”
“Our sadness at his departure is outweighed by our feeling of pride in his success and the way he acquitted himself in the Accies shirt. The terms of the sale agreement forbid the disclosure of the sums involved, but the Accies will receive a substantial initial fee and ‘add ons’ based on appearances.”
A host of English clubs had shown an interest in the former Scotland U21 international but Roberto Martinez has managed to persuade McArthur to team up once more with his old Accies team mate James McCarthy who has been a big hit at the DW Stadium since his move twelve months ago.
The pair are both products of the youth system at New Douglas Park, a fact that has made the Hamilton chairman very proud: “James is the third player to graduate from the Youth Academy to the English Premier League and great credit is due to all of our dedicated management, coaching and medical staff who have assisted him in his development.”
He went on to wish McArthur all the best by adding: “In conclusion, we wish James every success in his new challenge, he fully deserves the financial rewards he will now enjoy.”
McArthur made his debut for Hamilton against Ross County in January 2005 after joining as a youth two years previous. He scored his first goal for the club in April 2006 after establishing himself in the side.
He has made almost 200 appearances for Hamilton during his tenure, scoring 12 goals in that time, and has appeared twice for Scotland U21’s.
