Andy Carroll joined Newcastle United on a free transfer in the summer after being released by West Ham United.
The injury-prone striker was deemed surplus to requirements by Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce was not perturbed, though, and brought Carroll back to his boyhood club.
At the time it seemed logical for West Ham.
Logic undermined by hindsight
Here was a player that had cost them over £55million in fees and wages over a seven year period for just 34 goals in return.
Like Newcastle, Pellegrini looked set to revamp his striker pool at West Ham.
Marko Arnautovic and Lucas Perez joined Carroll out of the exit door. Jordan Hugill was shipped out too.
Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti came in. But now highest-earner Javier Hernandez also looks set to leave after being sold to Sevilla (Sky Sports).
Lack of options could make West Ham regret Carroll decision
So could Pellegrini regret not holding on to Carroll as a back-up striker after a revelation from West Ham insider ExWHUemployee?
Responding to a Hammers fan on Twitter, the reliable West Ham insider claimed Carroll is on a smaller salary than he was in East London.
In light of Hernandez’s impending departure that does beg the question whether West Ham should have kept Carroll on a similar rolling one-year deal on a lower wage.
The Hammers have made huge savings on their wage bill over the summer.
Haller security
And the departure of Hernandez trims another £140,000 off the outgoings.
Yes Carroll is unreliable due to his injuries. But if he was only being used sparingly, as is the case with Jack Wilshere, it could have suited all parties.
West Ham are now a Haller injury away from a real problem given Michail Antonio’s injury.
Carroll would at least have offered Pellegrini and West Ham some security.
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