Some West Ham supporters have been reacting on social media after former Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters told BBC 5Live Football Daily, as quoted by the Daily Star, that he feels Andy Carroll may yet stay at the club this summer.
Carroll’s current £90,000-a-week contract is set to expire at the end of next month, at which point he would become a free agent.
However, there have been reports that the board are discussing the potential of offering the former England international a new deal which focuses heavily on his game time, rather than guaranteed money.
The thinking behind the revised terms would be that he earns a much-reduced base salary, but would gain lucrative bonuses whenever he plays and should he score.
This suggestion has been refuted by the Daily Star, thankfully, as they understand the claims of a new deal were wide of the mark, but Walters feels one may yet come.
“West Ham. Pay-as-you-play,” the 35-year-old stated. “I think he’ll still be at the same club. I heard a little rumour the other day he wants to sign a new deal [with the Irons].
“He’s happy where he is. Someone told me he’s just bought a new house in London. If he’s staying in London, that’ll suit him down to the ground.”
When Walters quotes were later circulated on social media, here’s how some West Ham fans reacted…
Prediction: We won’t sign 2 decent strikers this window and he will re-sign on a pay as you play. I wouldn’t be against this, but the base rate cannot be more than £15-20k a week with heavy goal and appearance bonuses.
— Nathaniel John (@Nathaniel_John) May 23, 2019
He needs to be gone, when he has played this season he hasn’t looked like his usual self. Finished in this league.
— Simon②⚒ (@BrexitIniesta16) May 23, 2019
I want a yacht and my own island in the middle off the Indian Ocean.
— Mike K (@_NailOnTheHead) May 23, 2019
Please god no
— jimmy birch (@Jimmy_Birch93) May 23, 2019
???????????????????????? you must be joking
— John Protheroe (@JohnProtheroe) May 23, 2019
It’s not about what suits Carroll. Of course it would suit Carroll. No one is going to pay him more than 50 quid a week based on the fact he hardly ever plays!
— Alex Hartley (@AlexHartley9) May 23, 2019
Please just get rid of him.
— ⚒ Forever West Ham ⚒ (@ForeverWestHam4) May 23, 2019
I bet it would. Money for nothing.
— OldCastleSwift (@OldCastleSwift) May 23, 2019
I’d personally offer 40-50k pay as you play deal
— Bradley Cahill (@BradCahill94) May 23, 2019
It would suit me getting 70-80k a week. It does not suit the club tho
— Jurac (@54fc875286444f7) May 23, 2019