The summer transfer window is when football agents make their money. As the players take a deserved rest, their representatives’ get busy.
It seems unlikely however, that those working on behalf of Andy Carroll are only now acting to secure a deal for their England capped client.
The transfer of the giant Geordie has been dominating the West Ham related transfer news in the early part of the close season.
But in truth, it’s a saga that has been rattling on ever since he first arrived in East London on loan from Liverpool, in August.
He has appears to have been in the shop window after a disappointing spell on Merseyside, and wants a move away to reignite his career. The responsibility of stoking that transfer up lies with his agents.
The season-long deal with West Ham apparently put a host of clubs on alert, including Spurs and Newcastle, not to mention interest from abroad. Yet none have actually expressed anything publically.
Cue the introduction of rumours that he is happy to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool, therefore upping his pricetag to the list of suitors, which may realistically only comprise of West Ham.
It is then rumoured he is stalling and waiting for those other ‘offers’, thus adding a few extra pounds-a-week to his demands, which have only be listened to by, yes, West Ham.
But whether it is agents meddling, pushing out rumours to papers to stir the pot, or not, the uninspiring headline could be that the deal is delayed simply because Carroll is on holiday.
He’s been photographed off enjoying his break in LA, and is not in a position to have the shaking hand shot with the gaffer. It’s not a surprise. How many signings are really concluded in the first couple of weeks after the season? Even released players are still technically contracted to the clubs until July 1.
There is nothing substantiated to suggest he is making demands, except what ‘sources’ are claiming in various papers.
In truth, there can’t be that many clubs chomping at the bit to sign him. None of the top six are likely to see where he can fit into their systems.
And of the following four (of which West Ham are one), surely the best option is what he knows and what he is comfortable with.
By all accounts he has a strong relationship with the manager and club captain, which dates back before his loan signing for the Hammers. Added to that, when fit, he was a sure starter. And on the back of his performances for a top-ten team, he gained an England recall.
So personally, I’d like to see him sign. Rightly or wrongly, he fits the way West Ham play and given a run, he scored or created a good number of the team’s goals.
But while Carroll is off sunning himself in the States, his agent may well be working away to ensure the wait for his client’s signature means no-one else can calmly kick back with a cocktail.
Il be glad when its all done a
nd dusted either way..its getting a bit boring to be honest
I don’t think it is wise to put most(if not all)of the transfer budget into a player who has had three lenghy times out injured in less than a year.If our scouts did their job(s)properly we could get two or maybe three who are eager and keen to play in the premiership.
A Carroll only appears at it’s best over Christmas, then disappears!
Think Bonney, Ba and Wilfred Zaha –
These are not knee, shin toes.
So the Geordie goes!
Firstly…the name is Bony (not Bonney)…unproven in the prem and while strong he is not particularly tall and might struggle against premiership defenses plus his workrate isnt the best. Ba, dodgy knee…awful second half of the season and i wouldnt take him back. Zaha…really?? …id rather give Hall a chance on the right wing then loan Zaha and grow a player for the opposition.
I think some people on these type of websites have only ever seen the players we are linked with on youtube videos whereas if you actually watched whole games in which these players are involved you might make a more informed opinion.
AC’s impact in our team can’t be denied by anyone who saw our games this season. If Sam can work with him on fitness issues and keep him away from injuries he will be great for us. I for one hope he signs. We shall see shortly i guess.
As you’ve stated there has been all this media speculation but none has been confirmed. Personally, after seeing his interview after the last game of the season, I have ignored all of it and expected us to sign him then. This hasn’t dragged on, he’s been on holiday whilst us fans have been getting ourselves bang at it!
He is definitely the right man to sign, especially as we are apparently only paying 12m upfront. We know he can do the job, he was great last season snd probably only fully fit for half a dozen games! All this talk of bony (who would cost roughly the same as Big Andy) as if Carroll is a risk? Bony has had a great season in the Dutch league – he is the risk as this league is way below prem standards. Anyone remember alfonso alves at boro, couldn’t stop scoring in holland, cost 12m, couldn’t hit a barn door with a banjo!
spurs ???? really ???? not heard that one ….
It’s been mentioned last season but just like the rest if the rumours around Carroll probably made up lies with absolutely no substance!
I wish we would pull out completely.
The deals the other teams are working on are much better value, what we need is some pace in the team, I reckon we need 5 new players.
A right back, a goalkeeper, a right winger some pace in midfield and a pacy forward.
Carrol is just another player with no pace who we have to lump it to, when we go away from home teams just push up on us as we have no one to run behind.
As for Rob hall, would love to get him in the team but I’ve heard Spurs are all over him and he’s stalling on signing a contract.
I reckon Scott Sinclair would be a good nick from City on the right and then nick a couple from Wigan especially the little scotsman who run us and city in the cup final ragged (name escapes me).
Might as well get rid of Miaga as well, waste of money and a bad signing from Sam, along with the other guy who walked out back to France (forget his name as well), shows what an impact they made !
Didn’t we just sign a goalkeeper? Hmmmmm Sinclair great season.