Andy Carroll could have played his final game for West Ham, according to the Times.
The newspaper claims that the 30-year-old has suffered an ankle injury similar to the one that kept him sidelined for four months in July last year, and with his contract set to expire in the summer, it means that the striker might not play for the Hammers again.
It is understood that West Ham do have the option to extend Carroll’s stay due to a clause in his £80,000-a-week contract.
However it is unlikely to be triggered and the Irons are expected to let him leave.
OPINION
While Carroll has been quite the burden on West Ham, it will be sad that he will not get a proper send off by the club that he has played for since 2013. The ex-Newcastle and Liverpool target man has made 142 appearances in all competitions for the London club, but his time as a Hammer has been blighted by injuries. Even though there is an option for the Irons to extend Carroll’s deal, it would be a shock if they were to do it. The Times claims that Carroll’s wages would rise if they triggered the extension clause, and he has only made four starts in all competitions this season, so it would not make sense. It will be interesting to see where the nine-times England international heads next in his career. Could a move abroad be on the cards? Or would a drop down the lower-end of the Premier League or Championship be an option. Either way, whoever signs him will be taking on a risk because the striker’s injury record is terrible