It has been a rollercoaster few seasons for Andy Carroll. From his breakthrough year at Newcastle, to the most expensive Englishman ever and subsequent struggles at Liverpool, and then now redemption at West Ham. But is he about to get reaccquainted with heartbreak?
Sam Allardyce recently claimed that under the new Financial Fair play regulations which come into force this summer West Ham may be forced to decline the option of keeping the Geordie forward on permanently. The giant striker struggled for goals and fitness early in his West Ham career – an influential debut was cut short by immediate injury – but has contributed six goals since breaking his duck in November.
On huge wages at Liverpool to match his £35m transfer fee from Newcastle, he was always going to struggle to attract offers of a similar financial heft after his miserable 18 months at Anfield, and Big Sam’s words will come as a blow as he tries to rebuild a career that has stagnated. He will consider himself in a shop window in the coming weeks – West Ham fans will hope to their benefit.
In terms of a lasting future, ironically his best chance may come with a return to Newcastle. His boyhood club will not be able to offer the same eye-watering sums as the Reds, but he would be guaranteed the same love and affection that he clearly so sorely missed as he attempted in vain to fill the boots of Fernando Torres.
Newcastle could also use someone with his physical presence – his goals have been replaced by first Demba Ba and more recently Papiss Cisse but neither have provided the physical presence that he gives. With only one goal from corner kicks all season, Carroll would offer a more potent threat.
Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham may also see the frontman as a more reliable and consistent performer than Emmanuel Adebayor, whose stock has fallen at White Hart Lane, culminating in him missing the decisive penalty in their Europa League defeat. With Adebayor’s gutless performance having been one of many this season, Carroll’s big-hearted performances could be just the tonic Spurs need, whichever European competition they end up in next season.
One thing is certain – the uncertainty will rumble on and on. West Ham may yet stump up the required cash. For Carroll’s sake, we can all hope he does not end up unwanted picking up his salary from the Anfield bench.