Tottenham reveal Jan Paul van Hecke shirt number and it has Gary Mabbutt history

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Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Jan Paul van Hecke’s official squad number ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping that the 26-27 season is far more positive than last campaign, when they found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle.

It took a final-day victory, with Joao Palhinha proving to be the difference against Everton, for Spurs to secure a win and preserve their Premier League status.

The Portuguese midfielder has since departed after his heroics, but he remains a cult figure in north London.

Tottenham confirm Jan Paul van Hecke as new number six

With the transfer window open, Tottenham have been busy securing several acquisitions and have strengthened both their defence and midfield.

Among their new signings is Jan Paul van Hecke, who has joined from Brighton and Hove Albion for £52 million.

The Dutchman has now arrived at Hotspur Way and is part of the 35-man squad Roberto De Zerbi has selected to travel for Spurs’ tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Ahead of the tour, and following his return to the north London base, Tottenham have now confirmed the 26-year-old as the club’s new number six.

Spurs’ number six shirt carries real history

The number six certainly carries plenty of history at Tottenham, with the last player to wear it being Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder played a vital role in Spurs’ fight for survival last season and will always be remembered for his contributions.

Gary Mabbutt is another iconic figure to have donned the number six shirt for Spurs, doing so in the 93-94 and 97-98 seasons.

Radu Dragusin, Davinson Sanchez and Nabil Bentaleb are among the players to have worn the shirt in more recent years.

Number six shirt history

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