This is why Newcastle United delayed announcing Dan Burn’s squad number

Dan Burn became Newcastle United’s fifth and final signing of the January transfer window on deadline day.
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The arrival of Dan Burn at 10:45pm on deadline day wrapped up a busy January transfer window for Newcastle United.

It was confirmed that the Blyth-born defender, a boyhood Magpies fan, had signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after a £13million fee was agreed with Brighton.

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Completing an emotional return to the club that released him aged 13, Burn was quoted saying: “I’m buzzing to be here.

“I never thought I’d be in this position so to be a Newcastle player and to be around St. James’ Park, it’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid.

“I can’t wait to step out in the shirt and to see what it feels like. From sitting in the East Stand as a kid to now, it’s crazy. I’m excited to get started.”

Eddie Howe, head coach of Newcastle, also had his say.

He said: “I’m delighted to bring Dan back to the North East. He knows exactly what it means to represent this club and he will be a big presence for us on and off the pitch.“We have been very keen to add competition defensively and Dan fits the profile we have been looking for.

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“He is naturally left-footed, which provides further balance to our backline, and he will be a great addition to the group.”

However, one small piece of information that was missing in United’s press release was Burn’s squad number.

Such information was confirmed during the arrivals of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Matt Targett - but not Burn.

Dan Burn requested number 33 - but a player already had it

The reason? Burn requested the number 33 shirt at Newcastle, the same digit he wore at Fulham, Wigan and Brighton.

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However, that number was taken by under-23s goalkeeper Dan Langley, who has worked closely with the club’s senior shotstoppers this term.

Langley featured for the Magpies in pre-season and was required to select a senior squad number as part of the second string’s involvement in the Papa John’s Trophy.

It’s also in the event that Langley or his under-23s teammates are called up to Eddie Howe’s matchday squad. Players under the age of 21 don’t count towards the 25-man Premier League squad.

But after a quick switch around, Newcastle were able to announce during their 25-man Premier League squad confirmation that Burn will take the number 33.

Langley’s new squad number is unconfirmed.