Newcastle United are close to confirming the signing of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, and a new update has just made things even more interesting.
The Magpies are set to complete their first major summer signing, sending fans into dreamland after so long without an arrival for Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Antonio Cordero’s signing was confirmed in June, but it is widely known that the young Spaniard will spend his first season out on loan before getting his chance at Newcastle United.
Fans have been crying out for a new right-winger for years. They thought they had one in Yankuba Minteh, but PSR issues forced the Magpies to sell him to Brighton. With PSR now less of a worry, Elanga will become a Newcastle player and link up with fellow countryman Alexander Isak.
Newcastle will soon announce the signing of Elanga for £55million, and there will be several shirt numbers available to him. However, a new development means that he could take a number from his past if he wishes to.
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Sean Longstaff leaving Newcastle United makes Anthony Elanga’s old shirt number available
After two decades on Tyneside, it looks like Sean Longstaff’s Newcastle career is over. The 27-year-old has agreed on personal terms with Leeds United, and talks are underway between the two clubs over a deal totalling £12m.
Longstaff told Newcastle that he does not want to leave for free, and is willing to go now to help the club generate pure profit to keep them further away from PSR. It is a noble move from the academy graduate who has made 214 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions.
It was clear that Longstaff was not going to be a major part of Howe’s plans next season, so the move away gives him a much better opportunity of being part of a Premier League team where he can play consistent first-team football.
His impending exit means that the No.36 will become available at Newcastle. That was the number Elanga used to wear at Manchester United before his move to Forest. He wore No.21 at Forest, but that number is currently taken by Tino Livramento.
There does not appear to be any sentiment between Elanga and the number 36, so it is likely that he turns down the opportunity to wear it for something else.
What shirt numbers are available for Anthony Elanga at Newcastle United?
Personal terms were never an issue between Elanga and Newcastle, nor was the transfer fee. The deal was slowed down due to the 23-year-old changing agents while the deal was happening. Thankfully, it was all sorted and Newcastle have finally got their man.
There are many great shirt numbers for Elanga to choose from at Newcastle, some of which are genuine candidates and others that he will not bat an eyelid at.
The numbers 3, 9, 12, 15, 16, 24, 25 and 27 are the numbers available for Elanga to choose from at Newcastle. However, there were talks of Isak taking the No.9 shirt upon signing a new deal, making 14 available for him to take from his fellow countryman.
It remains to be seen whether Howe makes any adjustments to his squad numbers ahead of the new season. The likes of Lewis Hall’s number could be changed to reflect his status as a first-team player.
With Elanga soon to be confirmed as a Newcastle player, the club’s shops will be stocking up on letters and numbers ahead of his arrival.
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