Some Tottenham fans were puzzled to see new signings James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Manor Solomon wearing shirt numbers in the 70s but the club had already explained last week that the three players would be wearing temporary shirts.
New signings Maddison and Solomon both started for Tottenham in their first pre-season friendly against West Ham while substitute Udogie played the second half, with two completely different elevens featuring in the two periods.
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: James Maddison poses as he signs for Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on June 28, 2023 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
All three new signings gave a decent account of themselves and Spurs will consider themselves unlucky to emerge on the losing side on the back of the performance they delivered, with the Lilywhites managing 32 shots to West Ham’s seven.
One thing that some Spurs fans were left flabbergasted by was the fact that Maddison was wearing the number 71 shirt while Solomon and Ugodie were wearing numbers 72 and 73 respectively.
Some Spurs even fans theorised that Maddison is perhaps waiting for Harry Kane to depart so that he can get the number 10 shirt.
Anyone else worried, Maddison hasn’t been assigned a shirt number yet cause his taking number 10? Maybe we are spending nice and early as we know Kane is leaving. Just as I was getting slightly excited about Spurs.
— Aaron (@AaronJEng1) June 30, 2023
Spurs are waiting for Kane to go so they can give Maddison number 10
— D!🥤The phone boy (@darlytheboy) July 18, 2023
I notice #Maddison wearing number 71 shirt for #THFC in this friendly against #WHUFC.
I know these numbers are not official or anything, but I’m guessing they’re just waiting for #Kane to leave before he gets the number 10? #WhuTot #Friendly— Shane Marron (@ShaneMarron19) July 18, 2023
Maddison and co have not been given numbers yet
However, Tottenham had already made it clear when they announced the squad travelling for the pre-season tour that the three aforementioned players could wear different shirt numbers to what they will have when the campaign gets underway.
The club said about Maddison, Udogie and Solomon: “Supporters should note that the numbers worn by these players during pre-season may not be representative of their finalised squad numbers for 2023/24.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Given that around ten players could end up leaving the club before the start of the season, it makes complete sense to wait before finalising squad numbers for the new signings.
Vicario also wore the number 13 against West Ham but it is clear that he will be given number one as soon as Hugo’s transfer is finalised.
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