Newcastle United fans speculate new signing as surprise face spotted in team photo

Eddie Howe is yet to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window - but Newcastle United fans were hilariously left asking if that actually was the case after a team photo emerged on social media.

Eagle-eyed supporters spotted an unfamiliar face standing in between Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak and all asked the same question: “who is that?!”

Although a few people joked it was a secret new signing, the mystery was quickly solved.

The person in question was fan Liam Wright (@LiamLWright), who won club sponsor FUN88’s lucky competition to feature in the 2022-23 official squad photo.

“Can’t wait to convince my grandchildren that I was part of Eddie Howe’s Premier League and Carabao Cup winning side of 2022/23,” said Liam on Twitter. “Absolutely mad experience getting to be part of the team photo and getting to take my family pitchside, cheers @nufc and @fun88eng.”

The team photo appeared to have been taken closer to last summer with Martin Dubravka the only player absent. The Slovakian spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Manchester United before being recalled by the Magpies on January 1.

Fans also noticed that Emil Krafth’s face had been photoshopped into the photo. The right-back is likely to have been back in Sweden undergoing the early stages of his recovery from an ACL injury.

United are hopeful of bringing at least one new signing through the door this month after Garang Kuol was immediately loaned to Hearts following his arrival from Scottish Premiership side Hearts.