With him barely kicking a ball so far in 2020, yet being out of contract at the end of the season, Andy Carroll is facing an uncertain future less than 12 months on from his return to Tyneside.
The latest update on his future has arrived from Lee Ryder, who’s revealed what’s being said ‘behind the scenes’ regarding the injury-prone striker.
He claims there is a ‘feeling’ the club may activate a clause to extend his deal by another year if he can prove his fitness in the final few weeks of the season – even if he doesn’t play the required number of games to trigger an extension.
This may give hope to Carroll – who was said to be ‘frustrated’ by the suspension of all football given he’d returned to training ahead of our postponed clash with Sheffield Utd – however his ability to stay fit between now and the summer will clearly be key to any deal.
He’s been influential on the pitch on the rare occasion we’ve seen him, being a handful, putting his body on the line and bagging 4 assists in 13 appearances, but the fact he’s managed just 4 starts all season remains a concern.
It’s well documented that he receives a very basic salary when he isn’t playing in a pay-as-you-play type agreement and that Bruce values his positive influence in the dressing room, but there’s only so much he can offer when injured.
Would you give him a one-year extension or let him leave and sign another striker this summer?
