Andy Carroll now has competition for his place at West Ham United, but that may take the pressure off a forward who has struggled for form and fitness.
Andy Carroll arrived at West Ham United in 2012, signing a permanent deal a year later, and there has always been pressure on the club’s number 9 to deliver on the pitch.
In recent seasons, the former Newcastle United man has impressed when fit, but he has continued to struggle with injuries, frustrating staff, fans and the player himself.
But a significant amount of that pressure on Carroll has now been relieved by Javier Hernandez, West Ham’s new centre forward.
Of course, Carroll would prefer to remain the club’s main man, but he can benefit from the signing of Hernandez, who will be expected to weigh in with more than his fair share of goals.
The England international will look to improve on his tally of 18 Premier League appearances from last season – although he will miss the start of the season, according to the Mirror – but Slaven Bilic will have less need to rush his forward back from injury, perhaps benefiting Carroll by picking and choosing his games.
If Carroll can string a series of games together without solely carrying the weight of West Ham’s expectations, as he has for so long, he may finally rediscover the fine form he showed at Newcastle early in his career.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
