Joao Palhinha can now be handed perfect Tottenham welcome gift after Radu Dragusin decision

Joao Palhinha could now be in line to be handed his dream Tottenham shirt number following his loan move to the club. The Portugal international joined Spurs on a season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich on Sunday evening after limited first-team football in his debut campaign in Bavaria.

At the time of the transfer announcement, Tottenham did not confirm a shirt number for their new signing for the 2025/26 season. That should hopefully become clear over the next couple of days with the experienced player potentially in line to make his debut for the club in Thursday's pre-season friendly against parent club Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old is a big fan of having the No.6 on his back if his shirt number history is anything to go by. Wearing No.66 for Sporting CP after breaking into the team, he then took on the No.60 shirt in his two years on loan at SC Braga before returning to Sporting and inheriting the No.6 jersey.

Palhinha then wore No.26 for Fulham and No.16 for Bayern Munich, with the player regularly sporting No.6 on international duty for Portugal. The No.6 shirt at Tottenham has now become available after Radu Dragusin elected to change his number for the new campaign.

The Romanian will now wear No.3 for Tottenham, the same number he wears for the Romania national team. The centre-back has replaced Sergio Reguilon as the club's No.3 after the Spaniard departed Tottenham at the end of June following the conclusion of his contract in north London.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website about his new shirt number, Dragusin said: "I feel like this number represents me. I have been wearing it in the national team since three years ago and I just feel it really represents who I am – someone who is always ready to give everything for the team. Now, I’m really proud to wear it in north London."

Dragusin's decision does now open the door for Palhinha to wear his dream number for his new club.

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