Opinion: Which big Spurs squad numbers are vacant and who could take them

With pre-season now in full flow, you would expect some movement behind the scenes regarding departures and arrivals, as Nuno Espirito Santo aims to stamp his philosophy on the Spurs team and kickstart a rebuild.

Therefore, with a possible squad turnover, we could see some familiar numbers placed onto the backs of different players, many of which have quite the legacy to fill.

26 – The famous number that was worn by cult hero Ledley King over his time at the club, the number has been vacant for several years now.

However, if someone such as Tanganga or Rodon wanted to carry on their recent mentors’ legacy, choosing his former number may be a step towards that.

With constant links with Bologna defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu, it is possible that he could see himself as the player fit to wear the number.

9 – The number nine shirt has only recently become available again after the conclusion of Gareth Bale’s loan return from Real Madrid. The Welsh forward chose the number after his iconic number eleven was being used by the also recently departed Erik Lamela.

If a new striker did arrive before the end of the transfer window, they could take upon the number in their quest to partner Harry Kane up top.

Vlahovic for example has recently been linked to a move to the club, and it would mean the Serbian forward could carry on having the number 9 on his back such as he currently does at his club, Fiorentina.

11 – Eleven has been a number taken up by former Argentine winger Erik Lamela ever since his entry to the club back in 2013.

However, with his recently confirmed exit to Sevilla, it leaves the number free, and possible tempting for the young new signing and the opposite side of Lamela’s deal: Bryan Gil.

This could be a lot of pressure for young shoulders and the number could lend itself to another new attacker or even the current number 23, Bergwijn, could take up the number in his attempts to follow up on an impressive pre-season and force his way into Nuno’s starting eleven for the upcoming 2021/22 season.

4 – Recently available after Toby Alderweireld’s departure to Qatar side: Al-Duhail SC. The Belgian forged an incredibly strong partnership with team-mate Jan Vertonghen and leaves the club with a great legacy.

This means that whoever has the guts to take on this number, so quickly after the player who wore it for so many years has left, will have to be a big name.

The obvious player would be Atalanta defender, Christian Romero, who seems to be nearing a transfer to the club. Although, taking on this number alongside a large price tag could be a bit too much pressure for such a young player.

21 – As it’s a larger number it holds less of a restraint on what position the player should play in.

If a surprise new signing came in the following weeks they could opt for this number, but it would be poetic if young striker Dane Scarlett chose it due to 2021 marking his first season starring in senior football, alongside having an incredible season in the Premier League under 18s.

It will be interesting to see over the next few weeks how many players leave and arrive, and I’m sure over that time some new squad numbers will start to be revealed, especially for the new signings.

Levy won’t want to be missing out on all those shirt sales…

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