Newcastle United are closing in on signing Anthony Elanga as things look to finally be moving in the transfer window.
It has not been the start to the summer transfer window that Newcastle United would have wanted as they aim to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad significantly for their Champions League return.
Newcastle have missed out on all their top attacking targets so far, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro opting for moves elsewhere.
However, there might finally be a breakthrough in their hunt for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle have made a £55m bid for Elanga and are hopeful of getting the deal concluded as they close in on agreeing personal terms with the Swede.
Should Newcastle finally make Elanga their first major signing, then they will have to assign him a squad number and here are the options available to him.
- Who is Anthony Elanga? Newcastle United’s brand new £55m winger
What Newcastle United squad numbers are available for Anthony Elanga
Elanga has only had two squad numbers in his senior club career so far, wearing the No.36 at Manchester United and No.21 at Forest.
He has also worn a few different numbers for the Swedish national team but has seemingly settled on No.11.
All three of those numbers are taken at Newcastle by Sean Longstaff, Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes, respectively.
Longstaff is rumoured to be leaving this summer but Elanga is unlikely to want a high number like 36 after making a big move, even if he did use to wear it.
Out of the numbers he has worn previously, the No.16 he wore for Sweden and Man Utd’s youth teams in the past may appeal.
Elsewhere, the numbers 3, 12, 15, 24, 25 and 27 are the only other ones available under 30.
That isn’t a lot of choice but one iconic number might become available before he arrives at St. James’ Park.
Could Anthony Elanga become Newcastle’s new No.9?
One number that isn’t free yet but could soon become so is the iconic No.9.
Made famous at Newcastle by the likes of Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand and Andrew Cole, the No.9 is the prestigious shirt at the club.
It’s currently worn by Callum Wilson, though his future at Newcastle remains uncertain as his contract has now expired.
Newcastle have offered Wilson a new deal on reduced terms after an injury-ravaged season but nothing has been agreed yet and a departure looks likely.
Should he leave, the No.9 would be ripe for Elanga to claim but it would leave him with a big legacy to match.
Wilson lived up the billing of the No.9 by scoring 49 goals and becoming the third highest Premier League scorer in the club’s history.
If Elanga can replicate that success, then he’ll prove to be a great signing.
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