Since the beginning of the season West Ham United have been linked with Blackburn Rovers’ Jordan Rhodes; although we have Andy Carroll hitting form and scoring regularly, he could return to Liverpool once his loan spell ends. Therefore, is an approach for Rhodes a possibility and will he fill the boots of Carroll and become our first choice striker?
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The Hammers are constantly being linked with strikers, with the likes of Loic Remy, Wilfried Bony and Jordan Rhodes all being mentioned at some point in the season.
Clearly goals have been something we have lacked from the majority of our forwards and the media appear to have jumped at this chance to link us with every player under the sun who is a proven goalscorer. It doesn’t take a genius to work out this is an area that needs improvement and a lot of money spent on. However, after recent weeks I’m sure many fans will be questioning – why go for Jordan Rhodes, when Andy Carroll appears to have found his stride on all fronts?
So far since joining Blackburn Rovers on the 30th August 2012, for a fee that could rise to £8,000,000 with add-ons, Rhodes has gone on to score 26 times in 42 appearances and this is certainly a record you have to take a second glance at before ruling him out.
I personally feel Rhodes is a born predator in the box and there is no question he knows where the goal is. The slight doubt I have is he has never competed at the top level in the English Premier League, but I am also someone who feels you never know what someone has to offer until they are given the opportunity to prove their worth.
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He is certainly an option to consider, but I personally feel if given the chance to pick between him and Carroll, I would have to pick Carroll all day long (if we had the finances to cover the transfer) purely because I feel he has more to offer in terms of the way Big Sam applies his tactics. However, if Big Sam was to consider playing a flat 4-4-2 formation, then Rhodes would certainly combine well with such a player of Carroll’s ability. As Michael Owen stated a while back, the best days of his career were working alongside Emile Heskey, as he was solid at link play and holding the play up, just what you expect from a big powerful striker.
Although we have been linked with Rhodes, I can’t see this deal happening, especially not anytime in the near future. He is enjoying his football at Blackburn and unless we offer crazy money (as he is a young ‘English’ talent after all) they won’t consider selling the 23 year old.
Another aspect you have to consider is that David Sullivan has also stated that a deal for a “record signing” is in the process, as well as the fact he stated we are in the market for a new forward. If the two are linked, I can’t see us spending over the odds for Rhodes.
In the mean time I am sure a striker will come in before the start of next season, whether it be the confirmation of Carroll staying, or a new name being thrown into the hat. A deal will without question happen for at least one forward, but for those who hope it will be Rhodes, I wouldn’t hold your breath.
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Why not go mad, whats wrong with carroll and Rhodes , plus a left back a central defender on loan and a really good midfielder and we are sorted !!!
By young English talent, I’m assuming you’re not talking about Jordan Rhodes who’s Scottish 😉
I was meant to write british, but I was discussing football at the time and english just stuck in my head. Sorry about that haha
Interesting article. I have supported Rovers for over 30 years and have seen a number of quality strikers. Rhodes is a class finisher and has adapted well to the step-up from Lge 1 to the Championship. I have to say though, that I don’t think Rhodes would be Big Sam’s cup of tea or indeed is quite ready for the Prem just yet.
West Ham cannot afford Rhodes!
No not sure he’s good enough, if he was he wouldve been picked up b4 the season had started by other clubs in premier league
Rhodes the “Scottish” goal predator has been one of very few shining lights at Rovers in this god awful season. We took a risk spending the money we did on him and its proven to be the right decision. His goals alone this season is what’s keeping us (just about) out of relegation for the second consecutive season. I don’t believe the fact a prem club didn’t pick him up last season confirms he isn’t up to Prem standards, that being said I also believe he is capable of even more than what he’s accomplished at championship and league 1 level! He’s fed on scraps for us and yet his goalscoring record speaks for itself. I do hope we keep hold of him and genuinely make a claim for promotion next season, if the shambles behind the scenes gets sorted that is. But im also aware a striker of his calibre is destined for better things so I wouldn’t begrudge him leaving to further his promising future. Whatever happens for Rhodes his future is full of goals for whichever club he is playing for!
Thomas evans u are a crank ,cant afford rhodes we dont want him ,he is a championship player ,wind ya neck in div