Something needs to be re-worked with squad numbers, it's an absolute joke, whether it to do with reputation i.e. someone with a lower reputation can't take a higher reputation players number, or maybe lock a players number (could be a option in the pre game editor)
in my current save game Haaland is now 11 after Celtic's Liel Abada came and took his 9, Tyrell Malacia has taken Harry Maguire's 5 and left him with 4, Christian Eriksen is now 10 with Marcus Rashford bumped to 12, Joelinton has taken back the 9 shirt at Newcastle despite giving it to Callum Wilson (irl) who is now 11, also for some reason Almiron has taken 10 with Saint-Maximin taking 8, down at Tottenham Lucas Moura is now number 7, Son 8, Kulusevski 10 and Harry Kane inexplicably 13