Tottenham reveal Richarlison's shirt number

Forum 1 year ago

Tottenham reveal Richarlison's shirt number

Richarlison's brand-spanking-new Tottenham shirt number has been revealed following the Brazilian's move from Premier League rivals Everton.

The 25-year-old completed a transfer to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week, signing a contract until 2027 after Spurs agreed to part with a cool £60m for his services.

Richarlison will bolster head coach Antonio Conte's already fearsome attack, providing depth both centrally and out wide for Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski.

And if his choice of shirt number is anything to go by, it's pretty clear where he sees himself playing.

The Brazil international has taken the vacant number nine shirt, suggesting he plans to either partner or challenge talisman Kane for the central striker role. Given the potential fixture congestion next season as a result of the winter World Cup, the most likely outcome is that he gets regular minutes in a supporting role.

Although it has been donned by club legends Jimmy Greaves, Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles, the number nine has a more tainted recent past at Spurs. Roberto Soldado and Vincent Jansen are notable flops to have worn the shirt in recent years, while the most recent incumbent was then-Real Madrid loanee Gareth Bale during the 2020/21 season.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Tottenham will actually be without their new number nine for their first match of the new campaign. Richarlison has been handed a one-match ban for throwing a flare while celebrating his winner in Everton's crucial victory over Chelsea at the tail-end of last season.

The suspension means Richarlison will be ineligible to feature in Tottenham's season-opener against Southampton and could instead make his debut away from home against Chelsea on 12 August.