Newcastle United pair Andy Carroll and Florian Lejeune are to leave the club this summer, Steve Bruce has confirmed.
The Magpies boss said yesterday that Carroll had already departed and was assessing his options going forward while a deal was in place for Lejeune to rejoin Alaves on a permanent deal.
Andy Carroll and Florian Lejeune to Leave Newcastle
Carroll Leaves for a Second Time
It’s fair to say that Carroll’s return to Tyneside has not gone as hoped. The local hero, who left in 2011 to join Liverpool in a £35 million deal, returned in 2019 after he departed West Ham United. However, he only managed to make 37 appearances in his two seasons back at St James’ Park, scoring one goal in that time.
In his post-match interview after Newcastle’s pre-season defeat to National League North side York City, Bruce said: “He’s out of contract. I had a conversation with Andy. I think he wants to go and play. 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.”
Lejeune to Make Spain Return
While not confirmed officially by the club, Bruce also said yesterday that defender Florian Lejeune will be leaving to make a return to Alaves, where he spent time on loan from Newcastle.
Lejeune joined the Magpies in 2017 in an £8.7 million deal from Eibar but has only managed to make 42 appearances in that time.
His standout moment for the club will no doubt have been scoring twice in stoppage time to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw against Everton early last year. They were his only two goals for the club.
Bruce said: “It will put a few quid in the coffers. He is going back to Alaves where he was on loan and there is something imminent.”
Main Photo
