Transfer story –
Andy Carroll is on Rafa’s radar as Newcastle United plan to bring the West Ham United striker back to St. James’ Park, to wear the black and white again after 6 long years. Newcastle lost their first two games of the season, where they were outplayed and suffered from lack of possession or from creating chances.
Rafa is looking to secure safety and hence is keen on options up front before the transfer window closes and it’s too late. Andy Carroll, or should we say, a fit Andy Carroll on a season-long loan deal might just be the right alternative as he has failed to settle at the London Stadium. Carroll, who currently is suffering from a groin injury, is expected to be fit from the 26th of this month.
He was linked with a move to a Chinese Club earlier on but a loan deal to Newcastle United is on the cards. His best seasons too, where he scored 30 goals in 62 appearances, came in black and white colours. (2009-2010 & 2011-2012)
Player stats –
Standing tall at 6ft 4in, Carroll is one of the best aerial attackers in the league, with a huge physique and hunger inside the box. He sustained a threatening knee injury, which sidelined him for three months. He bagged 7 goals in 22 appearances last season.
Overall for West Ham, he has scored 30 times out of 110 appearances. He also scored one of the goals of the season in January, which he claimed to be the ‘best goal’ he has ever scored. The bicycle kick won the Goal of the month too.
What he’ll offer to the club –
Carroll has always been referred to as a typical, classic centre-forward, who is good at finishing, has a powerful shot, outstanding heading ability and is a symbol of sheer strength.
All these qualities are topped with a layer of experience, something which is more than his could-be fellow strikers, Mitrovic and Gayle.
He might be just the right target man for Newcastle this season, which might help them stay where they always belonged.
Worth it?
Totally! Andy Carroll can be as lethal as anyone on his day and if things are taken slowly regarding his fitness, he can be a perfect poacher, he can hold up the ball well with his monstrous figure and bring the wingers into action, he can be the target man, especially in set pieces, where he can destroy defenders.
