According to The Sun, West Ham United are shockingly prepared to offer a contract extension to Andy Carroll. The ex-Liverpool star saw his career at West Ham marred by injuries, notably making just three starts this season. As a result, he was linked with a move away from London Stadium this summer.
However, the report claims that the Hammers are ready to make a U-turn and offer an extension to Carroll, whose current contract at the club expires at the end of next season. But, is it a smart move by the West Ham hierarchy? Here are the pros and cons of Carroll’s potential stay in London.
Pros: Carroll will offer depth and tactical versatility
Reports suggest that West Ham are closing in on Maxi Gomez. The Uruguayan international is the desired number nine for Pellegrini next season. However, this could pave the way for the likes of Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnatuovic to leave the London Stadium this summer.
Hence, the presence of Carroll will offer the Chilean with additional options at his disposal, especially if both Hernandez and Arnautovic leave the club.
On his day, Carroll is undoubtedly one of the most lethal forwards in England. And his proficiency in the air, coupled with his excellent finishing, will provide Pellegrini with tactical versatility.
For instance, the ex-Man City manager can utilise Carroll as target-man. His inverted wingers in Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson can both stay in wider positions and whip in crosses as opposed to cutting inside and playing their natural game. This could be useful, especially against rigid defensive oppositions that often defend in deep-blocks.
Cons: Carroll’s injury woes are likely to continue
Despite showing promise in training in recent weeks, Carroll is unlikely to shrug off his injury woes next season. The English forward has mustered just over 1,100 minutes of league football in the past two seasons. And this lack of game-time will undoubtedly hinder his performances on the pitch.
His injury-prone nature, is, therefore, a big worry, especially in the athletic nature of the Premier League. And at the age of 30, he can’t be considered as a long-term option for the club either. Furthermore, the ex-Liverpool star reportedly bags £100k per week, which is quite expensive for an injury-ravaged forward, who offers no versatility. Hence, getting rid of Carroll will help the Hammers fund moves for their transfer targets and also makes room for their new arrivals.
