Newcastle United fans love the decision key player has made behind the scenes, it’s ‘iconic’

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Newcastle United have finally announced what shirt number Anthony Elanga will wear.

After it was announced that Elanga had joined Newcastle United, the club confirmed that his shirt number would be decided at a later date.

During Newcastle United’s pre-season training sessions, Elanga has been wearing number 25. That previously belonged to Lloyd Kelly, who permanently left the club earlier this summer to sign for Juventus.

But 25 will not be Elanga’s number at St James’ Park. Instead, Elanga will wear number 20.

That did belong to Lewis Hall, but the club have also confirmed that he will be changing his number. The £28million man is going from 20 to three, which has been vacant ever since Paul Dummett’s release in 2024.

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Newcastle United fans celebrate Lewis Hall change as Anthony Elanga shirt number is confirmed

Newcastle United fans on X have been reacting to the double shirt announcement, and it is fair to say they are delighted to see the Magpies’ top left-back get a traditional left-back number.

One Toon fan wrote: “Our super Lewis Hall takes the number 3. Magic.”

“My star boy England’s best left-back taking #3 things you love to see,” added another Newcastle United supporter.

This Newcastle fan remarked: “Lewis Hall taking the #3 then. Paul Dummett will be watching.”

“Good luck to Lewis Hall taking Paul Dummett’s iconic no 3 shirt,” added another Newcastle fan and Paul Dummett enthusiast.

Anthony Elanga’s verdict on Newcastle United number decision

Seeing Elanga get the number 20 shirt has come as a surprise, as it was not available. However, Hall getting the number three has changed that.

While it is just a shirt number, Hall becoming number three does feel like a reflection of his status at Newcastle United. The 2024/25 season really was a breakthrough year for the youngster, and he will be eager to continue establishing himself as a Premier League star when he returns to full fitness.

As for Elanga, he has explained why he is happy to take Hall’s number during an interview with the official Newcastle United website.

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“I like number 20 and I really want to create history with that number,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to wearing it.

“Pulling on a black and white shirt with the number 20 on my back I think is going to be amazing – whether it’s long-sleeved or short-sleeved!

“It’s going to be memorable for me, something I’ll forever hold in my heart.”

The first time Elanga will wear the number 20 shirt for Newcastle United could be on Saturday. Newcastle face Celtic in a friendly at Celtic Park, with the 23-year-old expected to be involved.

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