Several notable squad number adjustments have been made at Newcastle United as the new campaign approaches.
William Osula has been assigned a new squad number for the upcoming season (Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
A handful of Newcastle United regulars have received squad number promotions ahead of the new term, indicating they are expected to take on more significant responsibilities at the club.
St James’ Park has experienced a turbulent summer, with manager Eddie Howe departing and being succeeded by Matthias Jaissle. Simultaneously, influential players Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier have departed the club.
The Magpies have been active in the transfer market, with Amar Dedic becoming the club’s sixth major acquisition of the summer after joining from Benfica in a £29.5million transfer. There are also alterations for some existing squad members, who will prove crucial as the club enters a fresh chapter. Four players have seen their squad numbers modified.
Tino Livramento, already a key figure in the starting eleven, has switched from number 21 to take the number two shirt left vacant by Trippier. Forward Osula, who was 18 last term, has been promoted to the number 10 jersey previously worn by Gordon.
The Danish international, who has made only eight appearances from the start during his two years on Tyneside, appears set to receive greater opportunities under Jaissle, particularly after reaffirming his dedication to the club following speculation about a potential move elsewhere.
The remaining squad number adjustments are less significant, with Anthony Elanga shifting from 20 to 19 as he seeks to revitalise his Newcastle career following a challenging inaugural season. Prospect Leo Shahar has changed the 61 shirt for 51.
Meanwhile, summer arrivals Ewen Jaouen, Lukas Hornicek, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure and Aladji Bamba have all received their numbers ahead of the new season. Goalkeepers Hornicek and Jaouen have been assigned 21 and 24 respectively. Steur and Toure will wear 14 and 17, while Bamba takes the number eight.
Dedic will don the 37 shirt after being reunited with Jaissle, having previously worked under him at both Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. The full-back stated it was a special feeling and a tremendous honour to join Newcastle United and that he was eager to begin playing for the club and its passionate supporters. He mentioned that reuniting with Matthias was a major factor in his decision, that they understood each other well, and that Jaissle was aware of what he could contribute on the pitch, adding that he was delighted to be working with him once more.
Matthias Jaissle and Amar Dedic at Red Bull Salzburg (Image: Getty)
Dedic, who has earned 31 caps for his national team, launched his professional career at Salzburg in 2015 and spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Marseille before relocating to Benfica in the summer of 2025.