What to do if he does get recalled?

West Ham United’s capture of Andy Carroll was seen as one of the best deals in the Hammers history but will the Irons need to be looking at strikers again in January.

This news comes after Sam Allardyce confirmed on Goals on Sunday that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has the option to recall the big number 8 back to Anfield in January. Allardyce said; “There’s an opportunity for Liverpool [to get him back in January] if they want to, but whether they do or they don’t will be in a matter of time. If Andy’s playing for us on a regular basis by then and that’s the case, he’ll have played a major part in keeping us in the league this year.”

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When Andy Carroll returns to fitness I know he will find the net as our style of play is perfect for him, we saw the impact he had on his debut against Fulham. If he continues to impress it may give Rodgers something to think about if the Reds poor form continues. Their failure to capture Clint Dempsey who moved from West to North London to Tottenham Hotspur has left them desperately short up front with just Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini as accomplished strikers.

So how will this affect the Hammers in the long run? If we were to lose Carroll the Hammers would have to fill the hole that the former Newcastle United man would leave. The Hammers have the first option to buy Carroll in January for £17 million and if the rumours are true the Dave’s may move quickly to wrap up the deal if the finances are there. So that’s option number one, offer the Merseyside club to dough to buy a forward for themselves. And with Demba Ba potentially available for a snippet of that £17 million it could act as the perfect tonic.

 

But if Rodgers is ready to swallow his pride and realise what a quality player Carroll is, and how he is not just a “long ball” target man. If that were to happen the Hammers would have to look elsewhere to bring in another forward, whether he would need to be a first team regular or not remains to be seen. With Modibo Maiga and Carlton Cole as current back up to the big man are their already justifiable replacements already in place. Although I was not in attendance at the Crewe game, I understand Maiga looked very tidy on the ball and held the ball up well. So he could be the answer to our issues. We all know what Cole brings to the table, his commitment and loyalty are second to none and if Allardyce can get him confident again we could be in business.

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To the third and final option a new signing and a new frontman, although January is notoriously hard to purchase players, if the Hammers were to lose Carroll a new man would be required. We could look abroad and look at Bafetimbi Gomis the big man would also suit Big Sam’s style and he has a respectable record in France bagging 34 goals in 107 appearances for Lyon. Another option also ply’s his trade in France and is a constant target for West Ham over recent years, Yannick Sagbo. Who has bagged 19 goals in 64 games for Evian. Both these players will be available for a fraction of the price of the £17 million that would be spent on Carroll.

There are some players closer to home that could be worth a look at including Matthew Jarvis’ former teammate Kevin Doyle. With Wolverhampton Wanderers currently plying their trade in the Championship a move seem viable. Another player I would look at is Shane Long of West Brom who has had an impressive record since joining the Baggies.

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Although I suspect that Carroll will be a Hammer until at least the end of the season, as I firmly believe that Rodgers will purchase a player of whom he believe fits into his style of player. For that reason alone I believe Carroll’s release clause will not be activated by Liverpool.