Joao Palhinha looks set to become the latest arrival in a busy Tottenham summer window, and while fans await official confirmation, attention is already turning to which squad number the midfielder could wear in north London.
Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a deal for Bayern Munich man Joao Palhinha in what would be Thomas Frank’s fourth signing of the summer window.
The Portuguese international is set to join Tottenham on a season-long loan, while Spurs are reported to have also agreed on a £25.4 million option to buy Palhinha after his loan spell.
Palhinha is said to have completed his medical ahead of a move to Tottenham, with just a formal club announcement expected, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Shirt number history of Tottenham target Joao Palhinha
Joao Palhinha comes in as a traditional holding midfielder, a profile Tottenham have long lacked, which makes his addition particularly exciting.
Throughout his career, the 30-year-old has consistently worn shirt numbers that feature the number six. Early in his career, during three seasons with Sporting B, Palhinha wore shirt numbers 86 and 66.
He moved on to CF Os Belenenses and Moreirense FC, where the trend continued as he wore 66 and 60, respectively. The number 60 also featured again during his spell at Braga, while the number 66 returned upon his move back to Sporting CP.
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As he matured, his shirt numbers became more traditional. He wore number 6 in the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons at Sporting, followed by number 26 during two campaigns at Fulham, before opting for number 16 during his brief stint at Bayern Munich.
Spurs squad numbers Palhinha could take
With a move to Tottenham now in its advanced stages, Joao Palhinha has a handful of shirt numbers to consider. The number 6, which he has worn before, is currently taken by Radu Dragusin, so a change there would be required if Palhinha is to reclaim it.
The number 26 shirt, worn by the 30-year-old during his time at Fulham, is technically available but has remained untouched since club legend Ledley King retired in 2012. While not officially retired, it is considered sacred at the club.
Number 16 is unoccupied, along with numbers 60 and 66, both of which Palhinha has previously worn during earlier stages of his career.