A number of clubs from outside of Europe are interested in a move for Andy Carroll following his release from Newcastle United, according to The Athletic.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
Although Steve Bruce’s side are not exactly blessed with attacking options, the manager recently confirmed that the 32-year-old had left St James’ Park for the second time. A free signing in the summer of 2019, the towering former academy graduate is believed to be keen on playing more first-team football at this stage of his career and could be of interest to teams across the globe.
Even back in May, The Times suggested the nine-cap ex-England international had been frustrated at his lack of regular action on Tyneside, which in turn came months after December’s reports from The Chronicle that the former Liverpool marksman was angry at not being brought on against Leeds United.
What has Bruce said about Carroll?
Speaking during the club’s pre-season tour in York, the Newcastle manager opened up on Carroll’s exit.
“He’s out of contract. I had a conversation with Andy. I think he wants to go and play,” he said.
“I wish the lad all the best. I hope it goes well for the rest of his career. He’s certainly been a big help to me in the last couple of years, that’s for sure.”
Was Carroll worth re-signing?
Although only one goal in his 37 Premier League outings during his second stint at Newcastle doesn’t exactly make for good reading, to say Carroll was a complete waste of time would be slightly unfair.
Granted, he was rarely first-choice but, following the number of injuries he’d suffered after leaving in 2011, it never seemed likely he would be. Unsurprisingly, he ranked within the club’s top two players for aerial duels won per game during his final two seasons as a Newcastle player (via WhoScored), and that kind of threat proved invaluable when winning a controversial penalty away at Tottenham in September 2020.
Thought to have impressed some of the club’s staff with his mentoring of players such as Joelinton, The Athletic also suggested back in December that figures behind the scenes would encourage him to pursue a coaching career once he hangs up his boots.
