Update (6:22 pm ET)
Andy Carroll won’t be the New England Revolution’s second Designated Player.
A club spokesperson told MLSsoccer.com on Thursday night that the Revs are not interested in signing the veteran English striker. The spokesperson’s comments came after it was reported earlier on Thursday that New England was “a possible landing spot” for the 30-year-old Carroll, whose contract with West Ham is set to expire at the end of the English Premier League season.
The Revs have been open in recent months that they plan to add a second Designated Player this season. Head coach Brad Friedel told MLSsoccer.com two weeks ago that New England have effectively reached a deal to acquire the unnamed player, and that they were working with his European club to determine whether he’ll move to Boston before the MLS primary transfer window closes on May 7 or if he’ll finish the European season and join the Revs after the secondary window opens in July. Friedel didn’t specify the player’s position, but he noted that the new arrival will “obviously help in the attacking area” and “help control the tempo of the game.”
New England will look to improve their 1-4-1 record when they host Atlanta on Saturday night.
Original text (2:24 pm ET)
The New England Revolution have been public with their claims to add a second Designated Player, sparking reports and rumors as to who that mystery player may be.
A new name has entered the discussion: English striker Andy Carroll. According to NBC Sports, Carroll may land with the Revs after The Times reported MLS is an option for the 30-year-old this summer.
Carroll currently plays for West Ham, though has been limited to just 30 appearances over the last two seasons due to injuries. He famously moved to Liverpool in 2011 for a then-club record transfer fee of £35 million, but moved to West Ham on loan in 2012. He made the move permanent in 2013 for £16 million.
The target striker has scored 53 goals in 211Premier League appearances, including 34 strikes for West Ham. He has two goals in nine appearances for the England national team as well.
New England have struggled to get goals from strikers this season, with the majority of their tallies coming from attacking midfielder Carles Gil. The Spaniard is their sole Designated Player, while two senior roster spots remain unfilled.
-Tom Bogert
