It was not too long ago that Alexander Isak was prime and ready for the legendary No.9 shirt. He appeared the natural option - with fans clamouring for him to fulfil his Toon legacy after Callum Wilson’s exit.
However, a bombshell transfer saga ensued and, with Isak burning bridges with supporters, he has never looked further away from the iconic jersey. A fearsome, bull-dozing striker akin to greats like Wyn Davies, Les Ferdinand and, of course, Alan Shearer could be about to take on the mantle.
Newcastle have made an opening offer worth around £65million for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Previous noises suggested Manchester United were the front-runners but the Magpies have stepped up their efforts.
What this means for the Isak remains to be seen. Will Newcastle accept his wishes and grant him an exit or aim to striker a deadly partnership alongside Sesko?
For now, Toon fans can bask in a - perhaps temporary - ray of sunshine after what has been a dimsal summer. Here are the squad numbers available to Sesko should he head to St James’ Park.
5. No.15
Harvey Barnes was the last Newcastle player to don the No.15. He switched to No.11 at the start of last season. | Getty Images
6. No.16
Jeff Hendrick remains the last Newcastle player to wear the No.16 shirt. | Getty Images
7. No.24
Some Newcastle fans wanted the jersey retired following Cheick Tiote's tragic passing. Miguel Almiron did the jersey justice before leaving earlier this year. | Getty Images
8. No.25
The most-recent shirt to be vacated when Lloyd Kelly left to join Juventus. | Getty Images