Andy Carroll Aims for Wembley Amid Bordeaux Commitment

LONDON, England – Former Liverpool and Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll is seeking special permission from his current club, Bordeaux, to travel to Wembley in time for the Carabao Cup final this Sunday against Newcastle United.

Carroll, who spent two-and-a-half years with Liverpool following a then-club record signing of £35 million from Newcastle in January 2011, is determined to support his boyhood club in this significant match. He plans to watch the game alongside his family in the Newcastle end, showcasing his loyal roots as a Geordie.

During his time at Liverpool, Carroll lifted his only major trophy when the Reds secured the League Cup in 2012 under manager Sir Kenny Dalglish. “I will be at the game, yeah,” Carroll told Sky Sports News. “I will have to ask the manager if I can leave straight from the game on Saturday and drive to Paris to fly home to get to the game on Sunday with the kids.”

He added, “Me and my boys are obviously all wanting a Newcastle win, and my dad is coming with me as well, so we are all wanting to win.” Carroll predicts a tough contest, stating, “If I am going to go anything, I am going to go for 2-1 to Newcastle.”

Carroll’s enthusiasm reflects the anticipation building around the final, with both teams recognizing the importance of the moment. Liverpool enters the match with a 15-point lead atop the Premier League but is looking to rebound from a recent exit to Paris Saint-Germain, a result Carroll believes could fuel their determination. “I think it might even spur them on even more to come to this final now,” he said.

As the buildup continues, the spotlight also falls on the key players who could impact the game. Carroll identifies Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as critical figures whose performances could swing the outcome. “If either player gets stopped, then that’s the team that will win,” he noted.

Meanwhile, longtime Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp, who was part of the squad that last won the League Cup 30 years ago, shared his excitement for the upcoming final during a video call with the Liverpool Echo. Reminiscing about his own experience, he expressed the significance of the match for both Liverpool and their rival Newcastle, who seek their first major trophy in over half a century.

“It’s got a lovely feel to it. Two fanbases who are so big and so loud, and that is exactly what you want in a cup final,” Redknapp stated. “There’s a bit of desperation with Newcastle, and Liverpool has a worldwide fanbase. The noise inside Wembley will be amazing.”

The anticipation heightens as fans look forward to Sunday’s clash at Wembley Stadium, promising to deliver a thrilling atmosphere and compelling football.