Newcastle United have hinted at two major changes to their squad numbers during their first game of the Premier League Summer Series in America.
The Magpies face Aston Villa in Philadelphia, with Sandro Tonali starting once again for Eddie Howe’s side.
He produced a wonderful 45 minutes against Rangers, where he wore the number 20 shirt. However, that is not the case against Aston Villa.
Sandro Tonali looks like he is Newcastle’s new number eight
The 23-year-old instead wears the number eight shirt, which has belonged to Anthony Gordon ever since he joined the club at the start of the year.
The Scouser took the number from Jonjo Shelvey when he arrived from Everton – although it probably does not suit a player like Gordon. Wingers traditionally do not wear ‘eight’. It is normally reserved for centre-midfielders.
That is why it is excellent news that Tonali appears to be taking the jersey from Gordon ahead of the new Premier League season. However, the club have stressed that all numbers are subject to change.
Anthony Gordon takes Allan Saint-Maximin’s number
With Gordon’s number going to Tonali, that meant he needed a different shirt for the game against Aston Villa. He now appears to be Newcastle’s number 10, with Allan Saint-Maximin set to sign for Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
Again, 10 is a better fit for Gordon, and it is the number he wore during his final few months at Everton.
While squad numbers won’t matter to every fan, it is important for some. Personally, I’m really glad to see that Gordon’s time as number eight is over. It makes much more sense for him to be 10, and it allows Tonali to be number eight.
Elsewhere, Harvey Barnes has been given the number 15 shirt, which has been vacant since Kieran Trippier ditched it at the start of last season.
The club have stated that these new numbers are not official, but this does appear to be a major hint that change is on the horizon.
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