It’s a brand new year and with it there is a brand new transfer window to excite and possibly disappoint Newcastle United fans.
Though injuries have been a mitigating factor, it’s still been a disappointing start to the 2024/25 campaign for Newcastle United.
There have been some great results against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City but on too many occasions they have been followed up with dropped points to sides Eddie Howe’s team should be beating.
A return to Champions League football already looks out of reach but if Newcastle want to make a late push for the top four, then some reinforcements will be needed.
Howe has already warned that PSR restrictions will make spending difficult but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any new arrivals in January.
Should the Magpies make any new signings then there aren’t many squad numbers free for them to take.
3
The No.3 is the only number in the first eleven that is up for grabs at St. James’ Park. It was vacated by Paul Dummet in the summer and would be perfect for a new defender.
15
Harvey Barnes wore No.15 last season but traded up for No.11 when Matt Ritchie’s exit left that digit free. Fellow squad members Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis have previously worn it, too.
16
The No.16 has been available since Jeff Hendrick left the club in 2022 and is a versatile number that would suit every position on the pitch.
27
As is the size of Newcastle’s bulging squad, there aren’t many numbers available with No.27 the next one free. It’s not the most prestigious number on the Toon but was famously worn by Steven Taylor.
34
The only other number under 40 that’s free is No.34, which has previously been worn by the likes of Dwight Gayle, Jack Colback and Sammy Ameobi.
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