Newcastle United hero confirms he will ‘return home’ after two years abroad, Eddie Howe should sign him

A former Newcastle United player has confirmed his intentions to return to England this summer. Eddie Howe should consider signing him for the Champions League.There were celebrations on the pitch at the full-time whistle on the final day of the season, Newcastle United had qualified for the Champions League by the skin of their teeth.However, that is only the start of it. The hard work began as soon as those celebrations cooled down. Eddie Howe is well aware of the task at hand and what he needs to do to make them competitive in their return to Europe’s top competition.The 47-year-old will also be aware of UEFA’s squad registration rules, which Newcastle currently struggle with. As it stands, Sean Longstaff is Newcastle’s only club-trained player but with his future in doubt, there will naturally be concerns over whom they need to bring in to adhere to those squad rules.A couple of names have floated around since that game at St James’ Park, but Howe has now been given a great opportunity to get the better of UEFA’s squad rules and bring a former academy star back to Newcastle for a third time.Champions League 2025-26: Dates, format, prize money, ranking and new rules for Newcastle United to get used toPhoto by Carl Recine – Pool/Getty ImagesNewcastle United hero Andy Carroll announced his departure from BordeauxIt is fair to say that Andy Carroll has had a very strange career path which has taken him from the Premier League to the Football League and most recently to the lower leagues in France.The former Newcastle striker Carroll signed for Bordeaux in 2024 after their relegation to the fourth tier of French football due to severe financial problems. It was a bizarre move, but one that he loved.After nine months and 11 goals in 21 appearances, Carroll has confirmed that he is ready to come back to England to be closer to his family. Bordeaux confirmed his decision on social media, with a statement that read: “Andy is leaving us to be closer to his children. All the Club lovers thank you warmly @AndyTCarroll for this season. You will always be at home here. Safe travels and see you soon!”𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒊 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑨𝒏𝒅𝒚 💙🤍Andy nous quitte pour se rapprocher de ses enfants. Tous les amoureux du Club te remercient chaleureusement @AndyTCarroll pour cette saison. Tu seras toujours ici chez toi. Bonne route et à bientôt ! 🫶Plus d’informations ⤵️— FC Girondins de Bordeaux (@girondins) June 20, 2025 View Tweet Now 36, Carroll is approaching the end of his career, but he could still be of use to Howe and Newcastle due to being a graduate from the Magpies’ academy.Newcastle are yet to make an official signing this summer, despite promises that the transfer window will be busy.READ MORE – What Marc Guehi’s agents are now saying about a move to Newcastle United after encouragementNewcastle United eyeing other academy graduates for Champions League registrationThere is hope amongst the fanbase that the upcoming Champions League campaign will be a bright one, and Newcastle can show that they have the ability to compete with the biggest teams in the world.Carroll is not the only player Newcastle could sign to help their Champions League squad registration either; there are several players available for free or for small transfer fees who will be a huge help.Reports have stated that Newcastle are interested in signing Fraser Forster after his release from Tottenham Hotspur. The shot-stopper has admitted he wants to play for Newcastle again before retiring; he has a big chance to do that now.Additionally, Paul Dummett was recently released by Carlisle. The defender left Newcastle in 2024 but could make a quick return to the club if Howe allowed it.Other players Newcastle can look at are James Tavernier, Tim Krul and Matty Longstaff.