The shock £35 million pound paid in 2011 by Liverpool for former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll never really paid off from the start. Many fans were shocked when ex Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish bid £30 million for the striker, however this was turned down by Newcastle so he improved his offer an upped it to £35 million pound. This was accepted by Newcastle but with Carroll claiming he had been pushed to leave the club and did not really want to go the Liverpool fans doubted what they would be getting. NUFC staff denied this and stated that Carroll had said he had wanted to leave.

It was a done deal and the 24 year old moved in to Anfield and took over from now Chelsea striker Fernando Torres taking on his old number nine shirt. Andy certainly looked the part in his new Liverpool football kit but there were no goals to prove that his £35 million pound was worthy. Even though Carroll was signed in the January transfer window on deadline day he did not make his full debut until the 6th March 2011 due to injury. It was not until 11th April when the striker scored his first goal, he played many more games after this but without hitting the back of the net. Also claiming 9 caps for the Senior England team he proved himself as a threat, after impressing the England manager during his time at Newcastle he had the chance to do the same for England. He has not been called up for another match as of yet.

During August 2011 he did improve and score more goals than anyone had expected looking at his first few months at the club, team mate Jamie Carragher commented on one of his goals stating that one of his strikes were "worth £35 million in itself". Even though Andy's performances had improved it was not enough, he was then loaned out to West Ham United on the 30th August 2012 on a season long loan to see how he would get on elsewhere. He made his debut for the Hammer on the 1st September, setting up two goals in a 3-0 win against Fulham. His first goal however came in November against Tottenham Hotspur, after this he was hit with more injury worries, he did not play again until February 2013 and on his first game back he scored the goal against Swansea City. This totalled his goal tally at 7 goals in 24 games for the Englishman.

Andy looked much happier playing in the Hammers kit than his former Liverpool football kit, the players at West Ham and manager Sam Allardyce were all chuffed with his performances. Carroll was hoping that his stay would become permanent, he said that he enjoyed the atmosphere much more and that he thought the manager and 'lads' had been great. Fortunately for him as of today this has happened. Liverpool accepted a £15 million pound offer from West Ham United and Carroll has passed his medical check. He and the club are said to be delighted to be keeping him on a permanent basis. The striker has signed a six year deal with an extra two years there if he wants to extend.

Do you think Liverpool will be making a mistake letting him go? Will he prove the £35 million that was first paid for him in the new 2013-14 season? Let us know what you think.

Emily writes exclusively for Soccerbox, here you can buy the latest football shirts, kits, training wear and souvenirs.

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