Andy Carroll has re-joined Reading after Wolverhampton Wanderers considered offering the former Liverpool, West Ham and Newcastle United striker a fresh start in the Premier League, via The Reading Chronicle.
It’s never a good look when a club is sifting through the bargain bin for free-agents just days after the transfer window closed.
But while Wolves’ interest in Carroll – and eventual signing of Diego Costa – has raised plenty of eyebrows, this is more the result of misfortune than mismanagement.
After all, Wolves surely could not have expected to lose Sasa Kajadzic to an ACL injury after just 45 minutes of football in Old Gold. The Austrian will now be out of action until 2023.
With Raul Jimenez also struggling, Kalajdzic’s most ill-timed of injury-enforced absences left Bruno Lage without a single senior centre-forward before Diego Costa’s shock return to English soil.
Wolves choose Diego Costa over Andy Carroll
According to The Mirror, former Three Lions ace Carroll was viewed by Wolves as a back-up option, presuming their pursuit of Costa would be hit by work permit problems.
The 33-year-old is now back at Reading instead; aiming to build on the two goals he scored during a brief spell at the Madejski last season.
“I am really pleased to have Andy with us,” says Royals boss Paul Ince. “Of course, a striker of his prowess gives us power and a battling presence at the top of the pitch. I’m sure that will translate into goals.
He is a leader, both on and off the pitch. Having trained with us all this week, I can already see the positive influence he’ll have on the players. And the boost he will no doubt give to the fans.”
“Andy is a striker with proven pedigree,” adds Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen. “Above all else, Andy is a top-class professional. So I’m delighted he has chosen to return to Reading!”
Wolves, meanwhile, are now eyeing up another free-agent. Jason Denayer is still without a club after leaving Lyon in July.
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