BREAKING: Newcastle struck gold selling star who’d be worth £101m in 2024 money
Newcastle United possesses a striker who could potentially follow a similar trajectory this summer. St. James’ Park has seen a lineage of remarkable center-forwards, from the iconic Alan Shearer to the likes of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, to the present-day talent of Alexander Isak.
The Toon Army has enjoyed the exploits of prolific goal-scorers and creators of spectacular goals, particularly in recent times, with two such players currently gracing the first-team roster. Callum Wilson, who impressively netted 18 goals in the Premier League last season, and Isak, who has been in sensational form since joining the club in the summer of 2022, stand out as fantastic center-forwards under Eddie Howe’s management.
Regrettably, Alexander Isak’s outstanding performances have sparked interest from other clubs, potentially leading him to follow a path similar to Andy Carroll’s. Carroll, a product of the academy, was eventually sold for a substantial fee after demonstrating his prowess in front of goal.
Newcastle United found success with the sale of the English international, fetching a significant sum, especially when considering the inflation of transfer fees in football over the ensuing years.
Andy Carroll’s goalscoring record for Newcastle
The number nine hailing from Gateshead ascended through the youth ranks at Tyneside, progressing through the academy without requiring the club to expend any transfer fees for his acquisition.
During the 2006/07 season, he made several sporadic first-team appearances across the Premier League, UEFA Cup, and FA Cup, featuring in a total of seven matches. Subsequently, he was loaned out to Preston North End for the first half of the following season, where he managed to score one goal in 11 Championship appearances.
Over the next 18 months, Carroll tallied three goals in 18 Premier League outings for Newcastle United. However, the club faced relegation to the Championship at the conclusion of the 2008/09 season.
The transition to the Championship provided the center-forward with an opportunity to shine, as he delivered an impressive performance of 17 goals and 12 assists in 39 league appearances, including 33 starts, for Newcastle.
This marked his breakthrough season at the senior level, showcasing a consistent ability to both score and create goals from the center-forward position, effectively guiding his hometown club back to the top-flight at the first attempt.
Upon returning to the Premier League, Carroll seamlessly adapted, notching an outstanding tally of 11 goals and three assists in 18 starts for the newly-promoted side during the initial half of the 2010/11 season.
This remarkable feat translated to a total of 28 goals and 15 assists in 51 league starts over 18 months for Newcastle, with Carroll maintaining an impressive WhoScored rating average of 7.54 during that period.
His exceptional form, characterized by consistent goal-scoring and playmaking prowess across both the Championship and Premier League, captured the attention of other clubs. Consequently, Liverpool seized the opportunity to secure his services in January 2011.