Middlesbrough no. 10 shirt taken off Akpom amid Besiktas link

Published: August 06, 2021

Middlesbrough have announced their squad numbers ahead of their first competitive game of the 2021-2022 season against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

The number 10 shirt worn by Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom in his maiden season at Boro has been taken off him and handed to new signing Martin Payero, a member of Argentina's squad to the 2020 Olympic Games.

Akpom has now selected number 19 for the upcoming season, a number he last wore during a loan spell at Hull City in the 2015-2016 season.

The Arsenal Academy product has been linked with a departure from Boro this summer, with Turkish giants Besiktas mentioned as a possible destination.

Akpom totaled 39 appearances for Middlesbrough last season, scoring five goals and collecting two assists.

Another Nigerian striker in Uche Ikpeazu, a summer signing from Wycombe Wanderers, is Boro's new number 9, inheriting the jersey worn by Britt Assombalonga since the summer of 2017.

Former Flying Eagles winger Sammy Ameobi will be wearing the number 21 kit.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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