There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Andy Carroll being linked with a move back to Newcastle whenever transfer season comes around.
With Newcastle now safe from relegation back to the Championship, fans’ attentions have turned to the elusive transfer window, a summer that could once again be make or break for a club that always seem to be on the brink of disaster.
Further down south, Andy Carroll has reportedly had a bust up with West Ham manager David Moyes, and like passing ships in the night, is now being linked with a move back to the club who gave him his big break nine years ago.
The lanky striker was a crucial figure in Chris Hughton’s Newcastle side, scoring 17 Championship goals as they won the title, then carrying on the goal-scoring burden in the Premier League. In his first full season as Premier League striker, Carroll had scored 11 goals by January, and was then whisked off to Liverpool in a £35 million move.
Since then, Carroll has never hit double figures in the league, so why on earth would Rafa Benitez look at the former number nine and think: ‘Yes, he is the man to lead my attack’?!
It has been a recurring theme ever since Carroll left St James’, but a move back to Tyneside has grown increasingly unlikely every season, as his goal record worsens and his list of injuries grow longer.
The Magpies certainly need a striker next season, but you can put your house on it not being Andy Carroll, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to having this conversation once again in January.